Demonstrators in over a dozen U.S. cities took to the streets on Sunday to protest the Trump administration’s recent airstrikes on Iran. The rallies, some of which drew hundreds while others saw only a few dozen participants, were described by organizers as “emergency mobilizations” arranged late Saturday, according to Newyork times.
Protests were held in major cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles. In many locations, demonstrators waved Iranian flags and displayed signs and banners reading “No War in Iran!”—some of which were draped across fences and buildings.
Outside the White House, around 200 people, including several military veterans, gathered to voice opposition to the president. “He’s trying to become a king,” said Ron Carmichael, 78, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot.
In Chicago, more than 200 protesters joined a downtown rally. Among them was Ali Tarokh, an Iranian immigrant who moved to the U.S. 12 years ago after being imprisoned for political activism. While critical of the Iranian regime, Tarokh emphasized that gradual reform—not foreign-imposed regime change—was the only viable path forward. He criticized President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for hindering democratic progress in Iran.
Several protesters also voiced concern that the escalating conflict with Iran would worsen conditions for Palestinians in Gaza. In Los Angeles, 26-year-old nurse Noor Abdel-Haq joined the demonstration in Westwood, citing her family’s presence in Gaza and the West Bank. “We don’t want more murder and destruction,” she said.
Nearby, a small group of U.S. Marines and federal agents stood watch in tactical gear, rifles in hand.
In Richmond, Virginia, temperatures soared to 98 degrees as dozens gathered in Abner Clay Park. Violeta Vega, 23, a home care worker and organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, led chants such as “Money for jobs and education, not for war and occupation.” Hoarse after the rally, Vega reflected on the day’s significance. “I felt empowered knowing this was a nationwide day of action,” she said.
