By Betsey Piette
July 31, 2026
As of July 28, the U.S. was at war with Iran for 150 days, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and dozens of Iranian leaders, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including bombing a school in Minab, Iran, and the undermining of global trade. Calling for this war to end, locally coordinated protests took place in over 30 cities in the U.S., Britain and Canada.
Stop U.S.-Israel War on Iran actions included banner drops, leafleting and speak-outs at federal buildings, shopping areas and busy intersections. Demands included: End the wars on Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen! End sanctions on these and all countries! Defend Iran’s sovereignty!
Participating organizations included United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), Black Alliance for Peace, U.S. Peace Council, Resist U.S.-Led War Movement, Veterans for Peace, International Action Center, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Sanctions Kill / Americas Without Sanctions, Anti War Action Network, Socialist Action, Bronx Antiwar, Popular Resistance, the Sovereignty Support Movement for West Asia, Action LA Network and Workers World Party (WWP).
New York City, July 28, 2026. Protesters erected a memorial to the children killed by the U.S. at their school in Minab, Iran. WW Photo: Jen Kanter
About 50 people gathered at Washington Square Park’s historic Arch in New York City on July 28 despite dire storm and flood warnings. They set up a moving memorial to acknowledge the school children killed in a U.S. terror bombing and re-bombing of a grade school in Minab on Feb. 28 and the murder of respected leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 50 leading members of the Iranian government.
On the same day, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to strategize on expanding weapons for terror attacks against Iran.
New York City, July 28, 2026. WW Photo: Sasha Majumder
A sound system broadcast strong antiwar and solidarity chants and speakers who defended Iran’s sovereignty. Speakers included Sara Flounders with the International Action Center; Ché Marino with Bronx Antiwar; Sundae from Arm the Dollz; Charlotte Philips, chair of Brooklyn for Peace; WWP’s First Secretary Larry Holmes; Tony Murphy, also with WWP; and Ferdinand J. Almodovar, a WWP candidate. Palestinian and Iranian flags and antiwar signs conveyed the determined anger at endless U.S. wars amid rising costs and cutbacks at home.
Participating groups included Bronx Antiwar, WWP, Black Alliance for Peace, Brooklyn Against War, UNAC and Arm the Dollz.
In Atlanta, a diverse crowd of determined opponents of the U.S. war on Iran gathered at a busy eastside thoroughfare despite temperatures approaching 110 degrees. As soon as the “No War on Iran” signs became visible there were nonstop sounds of horns honking from cars, trucks, buses, bikes and motorcycles. People waved and gave thumbs up; others took photos as they stopped at the traffic light.
The Atlanta protest was organized by the Atlanta chapter of the International Action Center in response to the national call from UNAC. It was the last of three Iran-related events. On July 26 Resistance Cinema screened the film “Still, Minab” featuring the parents whose children died from the U.S. triple bombing of the school on Feb. 28. On Monday, the Labor Forum program on WRFG 89.3FM interviewed an Iranian activist who exhibited the resolve of her people to overcome all attacks by U.S. imperialism.
In Cleveland, antiwar activists rallied and marched at Market Square Park on July 26. Among the speakers was an Iranian who condemned the U.S. war against Iran. Sponsors included All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party, Cleveland Peace Action, Cleveland Sudan Network, Cleveland United Against War, Council on American-Islamic Relations Ohio, InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless and WWP.
Evart, Michigan. Credit: Michael Ward
In Evart, Michigan, while supporters of Iran held signs, passersby responded positively, with many giving thumbs up and yelling, “Right on!” and “Hell yeah!” as they drove by. Even local protesters were surprised by the amount of people responding positively to their small demonstration.
Houston, July 28, 2026. WW Photo: Gloria Rubac
Houston activists demonstrated during heavy rush hour traffic outside the U.S. Federal Building on July 28, clearly explaining why people in the U.S. need our tax dollars for human needs and not for murder and terrorism around the world. A sign that read “Honk if You Agree” got loud responses from motorists passing by who saw the antiwar signs. Some rolled down their car windows to thank us for standing up to the government.
Houston, July 28, 2026. WW Photo: Gloria Rubac
Protesters distributed flyers, and new activists signed up to be kept informed about future antiwar actions. A young woman who came to the demonstration explained she had come in memory of her three brothers who had been martyred in Iran.
In Seattle, demonstrators held up a 20 ft.-long banner reading “U.S. Out of Iran NOW” downtown at Westlake Center.
Martha Grevatt, Sierra Ward, Gloria Rubac, Jen Kanter, Jim McMahan and Ferdinand J. Almodovar contributed to this report.
VIDEOS OF SPEECHES IN NEW YORK CITY
