About us

About the movement

The Mahastim National Movement was founded in 2008 (1387 in the Iranian calendar) during the student protests, through the efforts of Shahram Homayoun, the founder of Channel One Global Television—a prominent journalist and patriotic activist—alongside six professors from Iranian universities.

The Mahastim National Movement is built upon the principles of wisdom, thought, compassion, ethics, pluralism, and Iranian culture.

From its inception, this movement has relied on Iranian national identity, emphasized the preservation of territorial integrity, and stood in defense of the national interests of the Iranian people. It has championed the Lion and Sun tricolor flag as a national symbol and has carried out civil resistance against the Islamic Republic solely through public support, achieving significant success.

The Mahastim National Movement continues to strive toward creating a comprehensive platform for unity and cooperation among Iranians.

Shahram Homayoun

Shahram Homayoun, journalist, producer, television programmer, political activist, and founder and creator of the Mahstim National Movement

The three principles of the Mahastim National Movement

Humanity

Humanity is the first and foremost priority of the Mahastim National Movement.
We believe that all human beings are entitled to equal dignity—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief, political thought, or ideology.
The advancement of society depends on the recognition of fundamental human rights and the safeguarding of individual, social, and civil liberties.

Iranity

"One nation, one flag" — the tricolor flag bearing the Lion and Sun stands as a symbol of national solidarity.
Territorial integrity is a non-negotiable principle, and the national interests of the Iranian people are the foundation of our positions and actions.

Iran’s rich cultural heritage and the Persian language & literature are the pillars of the nation's historical unity and identity.
All Iranians—of every ethnicity — are entitled to a dignified life and full citizenship, with the right to freely learn and teach their native languages.

Presence (Mahastim)

“Mahastim” represents the active and responsible presence of all citizens in the civil and political arena—a historical necessity for shaping our shared destiny.

The collective presence of the people is an independent and sovereign force. It requires no foreign intervention to build a government rooted in people-centered, meritocratic, and secular values—one that ensures equal opportunity for all and empowers citizens to actively participate in establishing social justice, and in advancing the glory and greatness of Iran.

History of the civic and cultural activities of the "Mahastim" National Movement

The beginning of civil strife
- 2008: Shahram Homayoun's campaign began in a systematic and organized manner through the national media, Channel One, and attracted public support in student protests and the establishment of the Mahastime National Movement.

Support for Iran’s Territorial Integrity
- April 29, 2008 (10 Ordibehesht 1387): A public gathering in front of the UAE Embassy in Tehran, following a call by Shahram Homayoun, coinciding with National Persian Gulf Day.

Revival of National Identity
- 2008–2022 (1387–1401): Organization of multiple demonstrations and conferences, including the Cyrus the Great Day gathering in Pasargadae on October 29, 2008 (7 Aban 1387), which continued annually despite government opposition and suppression.
- Encouragement of honoring national figures and celebrating traditional festivals both inside and outside Iran.

Civil Resistance
- 2007–2009 (1387–1388): "Bread Thursdays" protests, involving gatherings at bakeries with the slogan "We want bread!", and promoting civil graffiti campaigns across Iran.

Channel One Global Network
- 2008 to Present: Active participation of Channel One Global TV (CH1 TV) in civil resistance efforts.
- 2008 to Present: The Mahastim National Movement has contributed significantly to funding this 24/7 international television network (www.ch1.cc), producing and broadcasting independent programs related to the movement.

Hosting Events
- 2008 to Present: Hosting numerous conferences worldwide, including protest rallies in front of the United Nations in New York, and events in Paris, Barcelona, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, and Athens.
- July 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022: Five conferences held in Egypt to honor the late King of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. In 2019, Empress Farah Pahlavi attended as the special guest of the Mahastim National Movement.

Igniting the 2022 Revolutionary Uprising
- September 2022 (Shahrivar 1401): A call by Channel One TV for people to gather in front of Kasra Hospital, where Mahsa Amini was hospitalized, marked the beginning of the revolutionary uprising in Iran.

Lion and Sun Flag: A Symbol of National Solidarity
- September 2022 to Present: A global project to distribute the Lion and Sun flag and raise awareness among compatriots about the flag's role and importance in fostering national unity.

Cadiz Conference 2024: The First Step Toward Victory
- A cross-partisan meeting held in Cadiz, Spain, bringing together dozens of intellectuals, activists, and political and social analysts opposed to the Islamic Republic—including both monarchists and republicans. The goal was to assess strategies to reduce tensions among opposition groups and foster a spirit of cooperation. The conference was successfully held.