The No War With Iran Movement was an anti-war reaction to the escalations in the Middle East after the assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Tens of thousands participated, with protests happening from San Francisco to Athens and Kashmir.
Preface
Cause
On 3 January 2020, a United States drone strike near Baghdad International Airport targeted and killed Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani while he was on his way to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad. Soleimani was considered the second most powerful man in Iran, and the strike also killed 4 Iranian and 5 Iraqi nationals.
Aftermath
In response to the drone strike, missiles hit the Ain al-Assad American military base, as an act of intimidation, with 0 casualties. American divisions were deployed, but no other confrontations occurred.
Anti-American demonstrations happened almost immediately in Tehran, commemorating Soleimani, with the Ayatollah attending along with tens of thousands of civilians.
Kashmiris in Kargil, a predominantly Shia Muslim area with deep ties to Iran, also took to the streets in honor of Soleimani, condemning the American drone strike. The demonstration happened even earlier than the Iranian vigil, and marchers held up signs reading “down with USA!”
Protests in the United States
Hundreds of protests happened all over the United States, ranging from a few dozen in South Florida all the way up to thousands in Times Square and San Francisco.
Boston
Protesters gathered in downtown, showing resentment for the escalation of tensions with Iran. About 200 people attended the demonstration.
Denver
Protesters gathered outside of the state capital to demonstrate against war, chanting ‘No War On Iran!’ Attendance numbered around 200.
Ft. Lauderdale
Demonstrators gathered outside of the federal courthouse in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, chanting ‘Don’t Iraq Iran!’. Attendance numbered around 30.
Los Angeles
Protesters marched across downtown Los Angeles, with about 3,000 in attendance.
New York
Demonstrators gathered in times square to oppose the war with Iran, with many unions participating. Attendance numbered around 3,000 protesters.
Pittsburgh
About 40 protesters demonstrated against the war with Iran.
San Francisco
Protesters in San Francisco marched from the Powell and Market streets to UN Plaza. About 1,500-2,500 were in attendance for the demonstration.
Washington D.C.
Demonstrators marched from the White House to Trump Tower to protest against the war on Iran. The demo numbered around 2,000 in attendance.
Protests Outside of the United States
The only area outside of the United States to have a significant protest was Athens, outside of the American Embassy. Demonstrators gathered and chanted anti-American slogans, with attendance around 600 people.
