Austinites Protest U.S.-Iran Tensions, Await Ceasefire and Possible Talks

Locals gather to call for de-escalation as conflict evolves, while Iranian-Americans express mixed views on Trump's actions.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:52am

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A vibrant, fractured painting of overlapping American and Iranian flags in a palette of reds, blues, and golds, conveying the chaotic and rapidly evolving nature of the geopolitical conflict.As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, the conflict's impact is felt across the globe, including in the streets of Austin.Austin Today

Dozens of protesters gathered in downtown Austin to voice concerns about rising tensions between the United States and Iran, calling for de-escalation and criticizing U.S. involvement. Meanwhile, Iranian-Americans in the city are closely watching developments, with some supporting President Trump's actions against the Iranian regime and others expressing uncertainty about a potential ceasefire and long-term negotiations.

Why it matters

The U.S.-Iran conflict has global implications, and the perspectives of Austinites, including those with personal ties to Iran, provide insight into how the evolving situation is being viewed locally. The protest and differing views among Iranian-Americans highlight the complex and divisive nature of the conflict.

The details

The protest in Austin's Republic Square was organized by the local chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, with participants criticizing U.S. involvement and calling for resources to be redirected to domestic issues like housing, healthcare, and education. Some protesters, like Ted Brown, accused President Trump of starting the conflict, while others, like Iranian-American Sholeh Zendehdel, expressed support for Trump's actions targeting the Iranian regime rather than the people. Zendehdel said she has been in touch with friends in Iran who are concerned about the possibility of a ceasefire, while historian Dr. Joe Kotinsly noted that any long-term agreement between the U.S. and Iran could take 6 to 8 months to negotiate.

  • The protest took place on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2026.
  • On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, President Trump warned that 'a whole civilization will die tonight' if an agreement was not reached.

The players

Ted Brown

A protester in Austin who criticized the U.S. for starting the conflict with Iran.

Laiba Khan

An organizer with the Austin Chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which helped plan the protest.

Sholeh Zendehdel

An Iranian-American living in Austin who left Iran at 16 and has not returned, and who expressed support for President Trump's actions targeting the Iranian regime.

Dr. Joe Kotinsly

A historian at St. Edward's University who specializes in Middle Eastern history and described the current U.S.-Iran tensions as a rapidly evolving situation.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president whose recent comments and actions related to Iran prompted the protest in Austin.

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What they’re saying

“We're supposed to be the good guys. We had no business starting that war. Donald Trump started it.”

— Ted Brown, Protester

“We do believe Donald Trump is a war criminal. We want that money, the billions that are put into war, to be used for housing, healthcare, education here in our own streets.”

— Laiba Khan, Organizer, Austin Chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation

“We are all supporting what Trump has done to the Islamic regime. We don't feel like he did it to the Iranian people. He did it directly to the regime.”

— Sholeh Zendehdel, Iranian-American Resident of Austin

“If there were to be a negotiated settlement, I would anticipate that that would be something that would take in the realm of 6 to 8 months, but it's ultimately too early to tell.”

— Dr. Joe Kotinsly, Historian, St. Edward's University

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The protest and differing views among Austinites highlight the complex and divisive nature of the U.S.-Iran conflict, with some calling for de-escalation and others supporting the president's actions. The situation remains rapidly evolving, with the potential for a ceasefire and long-term negotiations, but the path forward remains uncertain.