In a powerful display of public dissent, hundreds of demonstrators marched through Midtown Manhattan and gathered in Times Square on Sunday evening, voicing strong opposition to the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran. The rally, organized by various peace advocacy groups, echoed a resounding message: “No war with Iran.”
The protest came less than 24 hours after the United States conducted coordinated airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—as part of what is being called “Operation Midnight Hammer.” The operation, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, has significantly escalated tensions in the already volatile Middle East.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans like “Hands off Iran” and “No more endless wars,” demonstrators marched from Times Square to Columbus Circle. The march saw participation from anti-war organizations, student groups, and concerned citizens, all expressing fear that the latest strikes could trigger a broader regional conflict or even direct war between the U.S. and Iran.
One protester, a student from NYU, said, “We’re tired of military solutions to political problems. We don’t want another Iraq or Afghanistan. Diplomacy is the only answer.”
The rally took place peacefully, with NYPD officers monitoring the event and ensuring public safety. No arrests or major disruptions were reported.
Despite Iran being viewed as a long-standing adversary by the U.S., protesters emphasized the distinction between opposing a government’s policies and opposing war itself. Many stressed the humanitarian cost of war and the need for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
The demonstration in New York was one of several similar protests held across major U.S. cities, including Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco, indicating growing concern among Americans over potential military entanglement with Iran.
As geopolitical tensions mount, voices on the streets of New York are sending a clear message: war is not the answer.
