Washington, D.C. / New York City – March 1, 2026 – Thousands of anti-war protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday and Sunday, condemning Washington's military involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes launched a day earlier. Demonstrations outside the White House in Washington, D.C., and in New York’s Times Square highlighted growing domestic opposition to what protesters and critics describe as an "unprovoked and illegal" act of war.
The protests were organized by a broad coalition of left-wing and advocacy groups, including the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), 50501 (a youth-led anti-war group), American Muslims for Palestine, the People’s Forum, the Palestinian Youth Movement, CodePink, the Black Alliance for Peace, and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). These organizations mobilized rallies in major cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and others, drawing crowds estimated in the thousands in some locations.
In Washington, protesters gathered near the White House gates, chanting slogans like "No War with Iran" and "Hands Off the Middle East." Banners accused the Trump administration of escalating tensions for political gain and ignoring congressional oversight. In New York’s Times Square, demonstrators blocked traffic for hours, holding signs that read "Trump's War = Death and Destruction" and calling for an immediate ceasefire. Police presence was heavy, but reports indicate the gatherings remained largely peaceful, with only minor arrests for civil disobedience.
Additional demonstrations were planned for Sunday in smaller cities, including Albany, New York; Ellensburg, Washington; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Decorah, Iowa; Gainesville, Florida; and Springfield, Missouri, according to reports from The Guardian. Organizers aimed to expand the movement to rural and suburban areas, emphasizing that opposition to the conflict transcends urban centers.
A joint statement from the organizing coalition denounced “Trump’s unprovoked, illegal attack on Iran” as an act of war that risks immense “death and destruction.” The groups urged Americans to “reject further military escalation and take to the streets to make their voices heard,” framing the strikes as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace. “This is not in the interest of the American people or the world,” the statement read, calling for the withdrawal of US forces from the region and an end to support for Israeli military actions.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), alongside numerous Democratic lawmakers, echoed these sentiments, demanding that Congress intervene to halt what they described as Trump’s “unconstitutional military action.” The ACLU highlighted that the US Constitution requires congressional authorization for any use of force, arguing that the president’s unilateral decision bypasses this requirement. Democratic leaders in Congress, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have called for emergency hearings to debate the legality and implications of the strikes.
The protests come amid a rapidly intensifying conflict that began early Saturday when Israel launched “pre-emptive” strikes codenamed “Lion’s Roar,” targeting Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and reportedly senior leadership figures. US President Donald Trump later confirmed American involvement in “major combat operations” under “Operation Epic Fury,” describing the campaign as essential to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxy networks. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including a confirmed strike on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Civilian casualties have been reported on the Iranian side, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that attacks occurred near medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran, including the Red Crescent Building, Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Behzisti facilities, and Motahari Hospital.
On Sunday, Iranian authorities confirmed Khamenei’s death, along with several senior military officials, including Chief of the General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. A 40-day national mourning period has been declared, and an interim Leadership Council has been formed under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative. The Assembly of Experts is expected to select a permanent successor soon.
The strikes occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
International reactions to the conflict have been polarized. China, Russia, and several other nations condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty. France, Germany, and the UK denied participation while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks. The European Union and Switzerland urged maximum restraint and respect for international law. Protests erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, with clashes near the US Consulate in Karachi.
Gulf states closed airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices surged sharply amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Russian Embassy in Tehran urged citizens to leave Iran if possible.
The US State Department issued a global security alert Saturday, advising Americans worldwide—particularly in the Middle East—to exercise increased caution, monitor embassy guidance, and prepare for possible travel disruptions due to airspace closures and evolving security conditions.
The anti-war protests in the US reflect a growing domestic backlash against the Trump administration's foreign policy, particularly its close alliance with Israel and aggressive stance toward Iran. Organizers have pledged to continue demonstrations until a ceasefire is achieved, drawing parallels to past anti-war movements against US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. With additional rallies planned for Sunday in smaller cities, the movement aims to pressure Congress and the White House to de-escalate and prioritize diplomacy over military action.
As the conflict enters its third day, with missile exchanges ongoing and regional airspace restricted, the protests underscore the domestic political costs of foreign military engagements. Democratic lawmakers have vowed to introduce legislation requiring congressional approval for further strikes, while Republicans have largely rallied behind Trump, praising the operation as a bold step for national security.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation amid Iran’s leadership transition and retaliatory posture. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could lead to higher energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and increased polarization in US politics ahead of future elections.
