CHICAGO (WLS) — On Sunday evening, ABC7 observed several dozen individuals gathering at Federal Plaza to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s military actions in Iran.
The protesters said they are worried the U.S. is headed to another dragged out conflict in the Middle East.
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The protesters, who rallied for peace, said they are tired of the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration.
“Trump, who claims that he’s a peacemaker, is now bombing Iran,” one speaker said.
The group of protesters decided to gather on Sunday after hearing of Trump’s decision on Saturday night to attack three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
The president praised these strikes as a major victory and mentioned that the current moment is one for peace. However, those attending the protest are concerned about potential retaliatory measures from Iran.
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“This situation benefits no one, and it squanders our resources needlessly. Trump is aware of this. As someone who advocates for fiscal conservatism and minimal government intervention, the last thing you want is to spend another trillion or two on an unwinnable war,” remarked Neema Naezem, a resident of Evanston.
It is another Middle East conflict that hits close to home for Ali Tarokh, a human rights activist who was previously arrested by the Iranian military before he escaped to the U.S. as a refugee in 2012.
“The regime couldn’t tolerate that, and I got arrested. Four months of military confinement, two years prison, and I was banned from studying university, and that’s why I arrived here,” Tarokh said.
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As an Iranian native, he does not see how this can end peacefully for either country.
“He closed all doors now. I don’t know how he would bring the Iranians to the table again,” Tarokh said.
Sunday’s protests were just the start of the rallies that are planned for this week in Chicago. Organizers said they plan to return to Federal Plaza on Monday afternoon to continue their anti-war protests.
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