Protests against the 2026 Iran war in the United States
| Protests against the 2026 Iran war in the United States | |
|---|---|
| Part of Protests against the 2026 Iran war and Reactions to the 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran | |
| Date | February 28, 2026 – present |
| Location | Various cities in the US |
| Caused by | |
| Methods | Protests |
In February–March 2026, several protests were held throughout the US in opposition to the assassination of Ali Khamenei, and strikes against Iran by Israel and the United States.[1]
Background
On February 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated Israeli–U.S. military campaign against Iran, was launched, leading to the death of Ali Khamenei, and the deaths of hundreds more.
Various protests have been organized around the world, both in support and in opposition to the war, specifically strikes targeting Iran. Protests have been organized by various groups, mainly a coalition of left-wing organizations, including 50501, A.N.S.W.E.R., American Muslims for Palestine, Black Alliance for Peace, CodePink, Democratic Socialists of America, Palestinian Youth Movement, The People's Forum, and widely regarded as the Islamic Republic's lobby, the National Iranian American Council.[2]
In contrast, the Iranian-American community held celebration rallies across the country.[3]
Protests by US state
Washington D.C.
Hundreds of protesters have gathered in front of the White House since February 28, both in support and in opposition to the war.[4][5] Protests have persisted despite severe weather.[6]
On March 4, former Marine Brian McGinnis interrupted a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Iran in the Hart Senate Office Building with shouts of “America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel!” US senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) attempted to assist Capitol Police in forcibly removing him, breaking his arm in the process.[7][8]
On March 18, a protest from Win Without War included the display of children backpacks on Capitol Hill in protest of an airstrike on an Minab elementary school that killed 160 children. Additionally, several Democrats in Congress attended the protest.[9]
Arizona
On March 2 in Phoenix, protesters gathered at the Arizona State Capitol, both in support and in opposition to the war.[10]
California
Since February 28 in Los Angeles, protesters gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall, joined by various speakers including Jane Fonda on February 28 and Party for Socialism and Liberation on March 3.[11][12]
Since February 28 in San Francisco, hundreds of protesters have gathered outside the Federal Building.[13] Over 1,000 people marched down Market Street on February 28.[14]
Illinois
Since February 28 in Chicago, protesters gathered in various locations, Large crowds gathered in Federal Plaza along with several anti-war organizations, before marching downtown on February 28.[15] An "emergency protest" was held on March 2.[16]
Iowa
A protest was held on March 2 in the East Village area of Des Moines, Iowa against the US-Israel strikes. Additionally, over 100 protesters gathered at the Iowa Capitol.[17]
Minnesota
In Minneapolis, protesters, including Iranian protesters in support of the strikes, gathered downtown. Members of the Minnesota DFL Party condemned the war, calling it "unlawful" and "illegal".[18]
New York
Since February 28 in New York City, various protests across the city have taken place. Around 1,000 people gathered in Times Square on February 28 in a "Freedom for Iran" rally.[19][20] In Manhattan, protesters gathered at Columbus Circle in a "Stop the War" rally.[21] The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has increased security at "sensitive locations" across the city.[22]
On March 7, an explosive device was thrown outside of Zohran Mamdani's official residence at Gracie Mansion during a counter protest.[23] The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.[24]
Pennsylvania
In Philadelphia, protesters gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall, joined by the Philly Iranians group.[25]
Texas
On February 28 – March 1, protesters gathered in Houston both in support and in opposition to the war.[26]
Washington
On February 28, hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Seattle, with support from Washington senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray.[27] Iranian protesters in support of the strikes held a vigil for protesters killed in Iran at Seattle City Hall on March 2.[28]
See also
References
- ^ Helmore, Edward (February 28, 2026). "Protesters rally across US after strikes on Iran that killed Khamenei". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ Helmore, Edward (February 28, 2026). "Protesters rally across US after Iran strikes and reports of Khamenei killing". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "'Is that happening finally?' Iranian diaspora in the U.S. celebrates attacks on Islamic Regime". NBC Los Angeles. February 28, 2026. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "Outside White House, hundreds protest attack on Iran, urge end to conflict". The Washington Post. February 28, 2026. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ Guevara, Sarah Beth (February 28, 2026). "Protesters For & Against Strikes on Iran Gather in DC". WJLA. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ Yurrita, Regina (March 2, 2026). "Protesters rally against attacks on Iran outside White House". FOX 5 DC. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ Rohrlich, Justin (March 5, 2026). "Vet whose arm was broken during Senate briefing can get 'kind of riled up,' mom says". The Independent. Archived from the original on March 6, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Jackson, Katharine (March 5, 2026). "Ex-Marine injured while protesting Iran war vows to continue campaign for US Senate". Reuters.
- ^ https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/protesters-iran-war-spotlight-children-killed-school-bombing
- ^ Krasean, Nicole (March 2, 2026). "Iran strikes: Demonstrators clash at Arizona State Capitol over joint attack". FOX 10 Phoenix. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "LA protesters rally against U.S. strikes on Iran". KTLA5. February 28, 2026.
- ^ Barraza, Paris. "'Time for a national strike.' LA calls out US, Trump for Iran war". USA TODAY. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "Hundreds of S.F. protesters denounce U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran". Mission Local. February 28, 2026. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ Moore, Mack (March 2, 2026). "San Francisco protest against U.S. strikes in Iran draws large crowd". KCRA. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "US-Israel attack on Iran: Illinois leaders react, demonstrations held downtown Chicago". ABC7 Chicago. February 28, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "Videos". FOX 32 Chicago. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/des-moines/2026/03/03/des-moines-protesters-us-war-iran/88949238007/
- ^ Kim, Soyoung (March 1, 2026). "U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities". FOX 9. Archived from the original on March 3, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "New Yorkers flood Times Square to protest military strikes in Iran - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. February 28, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "Protesters rally across US after strikes on Iran that killed Khamenei". The Guardian. February 28, 2026. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "New York City protests reflect contrasting response to US military strikes against Iran". ABC7 New York. March 2, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "Security increased at 'sensitive locations' in NYC amid protests over war in the Middle East". NBC New York. March 2, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "Device ignited at Gracie Mansion protest was an improvised explosive, NYPD says". NBC News. March 9, 2026. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ "FBI launches terrorism investigation after homemade explosive device ignited outside of NYC Mayor Mamdani's residence - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. March 8, 2026. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ "Philadelphia protesters condemn U.S. military attacks on Iran". WHYY. February 28, 2026. Archived from the original on March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "Dueling demonstrations in Houston following U.S., Israel attack on Iran". khou.com. February 28, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ "Hundreds rally against Iran strikes in downtown Seattle". KIRO 7 News Seattle. March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ Denkmann, Libby; Burrows, Jason (March 2, 2026). "At vigil for massacred protesters, Seattle-area Iranians process the start of war". www.kuow.org. Retrieved March 4, 2026.