Hundreds rally in New York to protest US role in escalating Iran-Israel conflict
The protest, held as part of a national day of mobilisation, drew both anti-war activists and Iranian-Americans, many of whom are deeply concerned about the safety of their families abroad, according to a report by ABC7
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Bryant Park in New York City yesterday (18 June), raising their voices against any potential US involvement in the ongoing military confrontation between Israel and Iran.
The protest, held as part of a national day of mobilisation, drew both anti-war activists and Iranian-Americans, many of whom are deeply concerned about the safety of their families abroad, according to a report by ABC7.
"I have friends in Israel who are terrified. I got a picture yesterday from a friend who had the building blown up. At the same time, Iranian-Americans are watching all their family and friends evacuated, are seeing car bombs go off in Tehran, are seeing hospitals blown up, media buildings blown up, and gas stations. This is much broader than an attack than simply targeting strikes on a nuclear program," said Etan Mabourakh of the National Iranian-American Council.
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Earlier on Tuesday, a "couple of dozen" protesters gathered outside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. library in San Jose to demonstrated against US military involvement, according to local network Fox KTVU.
Some waved Iranian flags, while others held up signs reading "Hands Off Iran." The event was organised by San Jose Peace and Justice.
Monday saw hundreds gather in Milwaukee's Red Arrow Park for a "hands-off Iran" protest, according to WTMJ Milwaukee, which reported that demonstrators also called for an arms embargo on Israel. The event was organised by the Milwaukee Anti-War Coalition.
According to Bronx Anti-War, slogans chanted at the rally included "Iran, Iran makes us proud! Burn Tel Aviv to the ground," "US drones in the sky, Iran's missiles will reply" and "courts and talks won't set us free, resistance brings victory."
Also on Monday, a "Solidarity with Iran" protest was held in New York City, backed by the Bronx Anti-War group.
While the protest primarily featured voices urging de-escalation, some expressed support for a stronger stance against Iran.
"Casualties are inevitable. We have to get rid of the nuclear bombs. We have to. I'm sorry it's taking too long. War is horrible, it's a last resort, but it's needed because we haven't gotten anywhere," argued pro-Israeli demonstrator Ian Benardo.
The protest came amid the sixth consecutive night of aerial strikes between Israel and Iran, triggered by an Israeli offensive last Friday. The intensifying conflict has raised pressure on US President Donald Trump to take a clear position on the crisis.
Israel is actively lobbying for increased American backing. It has highlighted the US possession of a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb capable of targeting Iran's underground nuclear facilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the conflict as not only an Israeli concern but also a growing threat to the United States.
The question of whether Washington should intervene militarily is being described as one of the most significant foreign policy decisions of President Trump's second term. However, the president has yet to take a definitive position.
"I have ideas as to what to do but I haven't made a final decision, I like to make a decision one second before it's due," Trump told reporters.
Tensions spiked further this week after Trump claimed he knows the location of Iran's Supreme Leader and issued a call for "unconditional surrender".
"We cannot let Iran get a nuclear weapon, I've been saying it for a long time. I mean it more now than I ever meant to," he added.
Still, there is resistance within the US political establishment, including from members of both major parties, who fear that deeper involvement could destabilise the region further.
"We don't need to escalate in Iran. That doesn't make anyone in the Middle East safer, and it certainly doesn't make the United States any safer," said Senator Elizabeth Warren.
The US has already moved one aircraft carrier into the region and is preparing to deploy another.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "At the Defense Department, our job is to stand ready and prepared with options, and that's precisely what we're doing."
In response to Trump's remarks, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning, stating that any US military intervention would bring "irreparable damage".
