Following news of a US and Israel-led attack on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the morning of 28/2, anti-war activists gathered across the United States. Demonstrations took place outside the White House and in New York's Times Square, expressing opposition to US military intervention in the Middle East.

"This operation was not approved by Congress; it's a personal act by President Donald Trump," said protester Sue Johnson. "He is impatient, attacking Iran for no reason."

A coalition of leftist groups, including the National Iranian American Council, Palestine Youth Movement, CodePink, and Black Alliance for Peace, sponsored several protests.

On 28/2, protests were held in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, and Minneapolis. Further events took place on 1/3 in Albany, New York; Ellensburg, Virginia; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Decorah, Iowa; Gainesville, Florida; and Springfield, Missouri.

Ermiya Fanaeian, who has lived in the US since she was one year old, still has relatives in Iran. When news of the attack on Iran broke on 28/2, she became concerned for her family and decided to take action.

"The attack directly affects me," stated Fanaeian, a 25-year-old political science PhD candidate at Howard University. "I understand that the people of Iran will bear the brunt of the consequences."

Protesters oppose the US and Israel attack on Iran near the White House, Washington, DC, on 28/2. Photo: AFP

Fanaeian was among hundreds of protesters who gathered near the White House and other locations in Washington, DC, on the afternoon of 28/2, demonstrating against the attack on the Iranian government.

Protesters chanted anti-war slogans and displayed signs stating: "No bombing Iran" and "US, no more wars in the Middle East."

Fanaeian coordinated with other group leaders to organize the protest near the White House before marching through the city.

"No hate, no fear, Iranians are welcome here," many in the crowd chanted. Others echoed: "End war, end bombs."

A man holds a sign reading "Stop Trump" near the White House on 28/2. Photo: AFP

"Americans have said they don't want war," declared Mimi Ziad, 27, a member of the Palestine Youth Movement, speaking from a pickup truck bed. Ziad and other protesters drew comparisons between the Iran attack and recent US military interventions in other conflicts.

As the crowd grew and began to march, Secret Service personnel and Washington police were present to oversee security and manage traffic for the procession.

Washington police stated they were prepared to increase their presence if necessary and were coordinating with other local authorities. Rail transit police would boost patrols at subway stations throughout the capital.

The protest on the afternoon of 28/2 attracted diverse participants, including children accompanied by their parents. Passersby observed the crowd, with some watching from the nearby Hay-Adams hotel.

Michael Mendelson, founder of the DC Activist Street Band, joined the march with saxophonists, drummers, and clarinetists.

"We are here to bring joy to the protest," said Mendelson, a trombonist. "To ensure our voices are heard."

From the White House, approximately 200 people marched through downtown, passing the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and the Renwick Gallery.

Other demonstrations also occurred in the city, including a March for Democracy, which Amy Trimble initially joined before participating in the anti-Iran attack protest.

"He claims to be a peace-loving president, but the reality is quite the opposite," stated Trimble, 55, from San Diego.

The crowd holds signs protesting war and the attack on Iran on 28/2. Photo: AP

The crowd marched to the Department of State headquarters just after 4 p.m., where anti-war chants continuously echoed. Hayedeh Seddiqi, 33, waving an Iranian flag, stated: "This is an unjust war. Iran does not want war."

In New York City, where hundreds marched through Manhattan, organizers announced this protest marked the beginning of a movement against the attack on Iran.

"I am deeply concerned about us getting involved in another war," said Aisha Jukaku, 41, an Indian-American Muslim.

Hong Hanh (According to The Washington Post)