On Feb. 28, Israel and the U.S. issued strikes on Iran, specifically targeting nuclear facilities. This attack resulted in the death of over 200 Iranian citizens, and the recently confirmed assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. These actions caused an eruption of protests around the world.

Hundreds of local protesters gathered throughout downtown Seattle in direct response, opposing government-issued violence against citizens, highlighting growing concerns regarding the U.S. government.

Protests throughout the nation immediately erupted following the attack on Iran, with massive crowds gathering in major U.S. cities including Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Hundreds of protesters gathered in groups throughout the country, denouncing U.S. military involvement in conflicts throughout the greater Middle East.  

Many protesters across the United States vocalize they are not “pro-Iran”, but rather “anti-government involvement”. As many across the world celebrate a step towards freedom for Iranian citizens, overwhelmingly negative reactions displayed by U.S. citizens indirectly reflect the nation’s already-growing fear about government decisions. 

A poll conducted by the University of Maryland found that only 21% of American’s surveyed said they supported a war with Iran, with an overwhelming majority opposed. President Donald Trump campaigned on a ‘No New War’ promise in 2024, leaving many supporters feeling betrayed.

Outrage among citizens has especially been directed towards Trump’s decision to unlawfully initiate strikes on Iran. With the power to declare war explicitly left to Congress, Trump’s decision of unauthorized attack is a direct violation of the United States Constitution. In the past week, Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that aimed to curb Trump’s power to wage war.

Many U.S citizens reacted with outrage, fearing that the country’s foundation will inevitably crumble if the President can override the constitution without any repercussions. 

Further throughout North America, Canadians gathered throughout major cities such as Ontario and Montreal. However, many of these rallies were held by Iranian-Canadians, in celebratory support of the U.S. interference. Citizens urged the Canadian government and U.S. administration to stand with Iran, as their citizens continued seeking freedom from the dictatorial regime.

“The energy you see out here is because we’re happy. We’ve been wanting this to happen,” states one Canadian supporter. “This is not an attack on the people. This is not an attack on the country. This is a rescue mission for the people.”

Many Iranian-Canadians echo similar sentiments, voicing support towards the goals of weakening Iran’s military power and nuclear capabilities, and dismantling current government systems. Despite this, many citizens still remain terrified for their family back in Iran, with uncertainty regarding death tolls and communication registered as almost impossible due to phone service being cut.  

“It’s mixed feelings. It seems this brutal regime is going to be gone, but at the same time, I am very concerned about the people in Iran,” voices another citizen while discussing mixed reactions. 

Back in the greater Middle East, pro-Iran protests were held throughout Pakistan, resulting in a rising death toll. Protesters in the megacity of Karachi attempted to storm a U.S. Consulate, initiating violent clashes between citizens and law enforcement. 

Islamabad, Pakistan’s capitol, witnessed even more violence as police fired tear gas and swung batons through crowds of unrelenting protesters. “We will never bow before America and Israel,” declared attendee Mamoona Sherazi. 

The decision to strike Iran has caused many conflicting emotions worldwide, especially with overlapping issues directly relating to the recent major attack. 

Trump stated the main goals of the operation to be eradicating military capabilities and their potential to create nuclear weapons.

“Take over your government,” states Trump in a repeated attempt of urging Iranian citizens to revolt. 

Additional protests were held worldwide, with participating cities including Berlin, Germany; Saana, Yemen; Beirut, Lebanon; Baghdad, Iraq; and Manchester, United Kingdom. 

The war continues to rage on. Trump shared on Truth Social that, “Wars can be fought forever.” But so can protests.