Protests Erupt Nationwide as US-Israel Attacks on Iran Escalate

Thousands gather to denounce military operations as war spirals in Middle East

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Across the United States, thousands of people gathered peacefully to protest the ongoing US-Israeli military operation against Iran on Monday. Demonstrations took place in cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and Madison, with protesters chanting slogans like "Hands off Iran now" and calling for an end to the "endless, stupid, immoral, dangerous wars." Meanwhile, Iran and its proxies continued to strike US allies in the Gulf region, with the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia hit by suspected Iranian drones and loud booms heard in Iraq.

Why it matters

The protests reflect growing public opposition to the escalating military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has led to widespread destruction and civilian casualties across the Middle East. As the threat to American citizens in the region increases, the protests highlight the desire for a diplomatic solution to the crisis rather than further military intervention.

The details

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the US on Monday to denounce the ongoing US-Israeli military operation against Iran. In Boston, one protester expressed opposition to "these endless, stupid, immoral, dangerous wars," while in New York City, a crowd marched through the streets chanting "hands off Iran now." On the West Coast, protesters in Los Angeles rallied against the strikes, demanding an end to US military involvement. Similar demonstrations unfolded in Chicago, Portland, and Madison. The ANSWER Coalition, an organization against war and occupation, had called for a national day of protest to "Stop the War in Iran." Meanwhile, Iran and its proxies continued to target US allies in the Gulf, with the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia hit by suspected Iranian drones and loud booms heard in Iraq's Erbil region.

  • Protests took place across the US on Monday, March 3, 2026.

The players

ANSWER Coalition

An organization against war and occupation that called for the nationwide protests on March 3, 2026.

Iran

The Middle Eastern country that is engaged in a military conflict with the US and Israel, and whose proxies have continued to strike US allies in the Gulf region.

United States

The country leading the military operation against Iran, along with its ally Israel.

Israel

The US ally that is also participating in the military operation against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“No one is ever happy their homeland is under attack. When an entire country of people is begging to be bombed, you know that there's something wrong.”

— Tina Rahvar, Iranian American demonstrator (WABC)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The US State Department has urged American citizens to leave the Middle East immediately as the threat to their safety escalates. The military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is expected to continue, with President Trump vowing that the "big wave" of the US attack on Iran is yet to come.

The takeaway

The nationwide protests against the US-Israeli military operation in Iran reflect the growing public opposition to the escalating conflict and the desire for a diplomatic solution rather than further military intervention. As the crisis continues to unfold, the safety of American citizens in the region remains a major concern.