British authorities have halted the annual Al-Quds Day rally that had been scheduled to take place in central London this weekend, following intervention by the Metropolitan Police. The police commissioner urged the home secretary to prevent the march from going ahead, and after discussions with the Home Office and City Hall, the event was officially cancelled.

Al-Quds Day was established in 1979 by Iran's revolutionary leader and is marked by demonstrations opposing Israel and supporting the Palestinian cause. The London rally, held since the early 1980s, has long drawn controversy because of its association with the Iranian regime and the presence in previous years of symbols linked to groups aligned with Tehran.

The event has typically been organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which a government-commissioned review described as ideologically aligned with the Iranian regime. Jewish organizations and community leaders have repeatedly criticized the march, citing anti-Israel rhetoric and praise for Iran's leadership displayed at past events.

This year's planned rally faced heightened concern amid ongoing tensions involving Iran. While officials have not detailed the discussions behind the decision, the move reflected concerns about public order and the broader context surrounding the event.