CHICAGO (WLS) — For the second consecutive day, protesters assembled in downtown Chicago, expressing opposition to President Donald Trump’s decision to initiate a strike on Iran.
On Monday, protesters acknowledged that Trump’s ceasefire announcement was positive but voiced ongoing concerns regarding the potential consequences of U.S. actions on the Iranian people and, more broadly, the implications for regional peace.
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“Bombing nuclear facilities is a war crime!” one protester said.
The gathering on Monday night included several activist groups, such as the Anti-War Committee-Chicago and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network.
Protesters repeatedly said they do not want a war on Iran, calling for an end to what they called “Israel and U.S. aggression” in the region.
They are also calling out the Trump administration, saying what played out on Saturday night, the bombing of three nuclear facilities, only escalated hostility in the region.
“This is not just provocation. It’s a reckless and unlawful act of war that threatens to ignite the entire region in flames,” one demonstrator said.
The group marched to Chicago’s Trump Tower after protesting in Federal Plaza, demanding an end to the U.S. involvement in the Middle East and end to aid to Israel.
Meanwhile, the fears from Iranian-Americans over what happening in the Middle East are growing.
Tirdad Kiamanesh with Chicago 4 Iran said his community says it is the current regime in power that has many concerned over what could happen next.
“We are very worried about where we are headed and the consequences of this war on the people,” Kiamanesh said.
Tirdad says what his homeland needs is protection for its people and infrastructure, and a means to communicate with the rest of the world, like consistent internet access. Instead of airstrikes, he hopes the U.S. would invest in supporting Iranians vying for a Democratic state.
“They should put human rights and prosperity of Iranian people in the core of their foreign interests, because in the long term, it would help them more,” Tirdad said.
Tirdad told ABC7 his community’s worst nightmare is being left with the current regime and what that could mean to Iranians and those who oppose its leadership.
Protesters vowed to continue to organize and rally.
One organizer said at the start of the protest, after Trump’s announcement of ceasefire was announced, that their work begins now.
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