Arizonans Divided Over US Involvement in Iran Conflict

Opposing groups clash at Arizona State Capitol over support for or against US military actions

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Two groups with differing views on the United States' involvement in the conflict with Iran faced off at the Arizona State Capitol on Monday night. One group of Iranian-Americans celebrated the US decision to join Israel in a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader, while another group of Arizonans protested against US interference in Iran's affairs, arguing that tax dollars should be spent on domestic issues instead of foreign wars.

Why it matters

The clash between the two groups highlights the deep divisions within the Arizona community over the US role in the Middle East conflict. The protest also reflects broader national debates around the use of military force, foreign policy, and the allocation of government resources.

The details

The pro-US group chanted "Thank you, Trump," while the anti-war group shouted back "Fight your own war." The Iranian-American supporters argued the strike made the world safer, while the socialist group said the US should not be interfering in Iran's internal politics. Despite the disagreement, the counter-protests ended peacefully.

  • The protests took place on Monday evening at the Arizona State Capitol.

The players

Hessam Rahimian

An Iranian-American who supported the US decision to join Israel in the strike on Iran.

Dania Duran

A member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation who protested against US involvement in Iran, arguing the Iranian people should decide their own future.

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What they’re saying

“This makes the world a safer place.”

— Hessam Rahimian (12news.com)

“Right now, what we're seeing is Trump trying to put Iran under the U.S.'s boot, and we're here to protest that. What we truly believe is that the Irani people should decide for themselves. They should not have a foreign government like the U.S., a foreign government like Israel interfering with it's politics.”

— Dania Duran, Member, Party for Socialism and Liberation (12news.com)

The takeaway

The clash between the pro-US and anti-war groups in Arizona reflects the broader national debate over the role of the US military in the Middle East and the allocation of government resources. The peaceful protest also highlights the ability of citizens to voice their differing views on these complex geopolitical issues.