NYC Protesters Demand End to US Military Strikes on Iran

Demonstrators call for peace and solidarity, saying strikes will destabilize the region and cost lives

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Protesters in New York City on Monday are calling on the Trump administration to end the strikes against Iran. Demonstrations were happening in about 40 cities across the country, including in New York, organized by a coalition of groups opposing the U.S. going to war with Iran. Protesters at Columbus Circle say the attacks will destabilize the region, put Americans in danger, and be incredibly costly.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing concerns among Americans about the potential consequences of escalating military action against Iran, including regional instability, threats to U.S. citizens, and the immense financial costs of war. The demonstrations reflect a desire for diplomacy and de-escalation over further aggression.

The details

Protesters say the U.S. strikes on Iran were illegal under international law and unprovoked, resulting in over 500 deaths, including civilians. They are calling for the over $1 trillion spent on "war, death and destruction" to instead be invested in sustaining life for people in the U.S. The groups organizing the protests say they will keep demonstrating for as long as necessary to demand peace and solidarity.

  • Protests were happening on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • A separate demonstration calling for regime change was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday in Times Square.

The players

Answer Coalition

A coalition of groups organizing the protests against U.S. military strikes on Iran.

Gabriela Silva

A volunteer with the Answer Coalition who spoke at the Columbus Circle protest.

Nassau County Police Department

Coordinating with religious leaders ahead of large gatherings for the Purim holiday in the Iranian American community of Great Neck, Long Island.

Patrick Ryder

Nassau County Police Commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“The attack that the United States waged on Iran was not only illegal against international law, but it was also unprovoked and resulted in the death of over 500 people, including little girls and their teachers at school.”

— Gabriela Silva, Answer Coalition volunteer

“We do not want escalation towards other countries in the Middle East, but we want peace and solidarity, and we're willing to fight for it.”

— Gabriela Silva, Answer Coalition volunteer

“I got so happy. I was it was my it was the best news I ever could have in past few years. It's so hopefully that will lead people to have their freedom.”

— Kathy Kahen, Great Neck resident (abc7ny.com)

“We're all looking forward to going back to Iran one day. I saw what was going on there as far as the beatings that went on, and even my mom was almost thrown in jail because her hair wasn't fully covered and even as far as recently, the killing of tens of thousands of innocent people. So, it's definitely time that something has happened and a regime change is something that's definitely needed.”

— Leon Manoucheri, Great Neck resident (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

The groups organizing the protests say they will keep demonstrating for as long as necessary to demand peace and solidarity.

The takeaway

The protests in New York City reflect a growing desire among Americans to pursue diplomacy and de-escalation with Iran rather than further military aggression, which they fear will destabilize the region, endanger U.S. citizens, and be incredibly costly.