Hundreds of protesters gathered in Midtown Manhattan on Feb. 28, hours after the United States and Israel launched a series of joint military strikes in Iran. The attacks, called “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon, killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic since 1989.
The protest started in Times Square and went uptown, ultimately ending in the Columbus Circle area. Similar demonstrations took place in more than 70 U.S. cities.
While the majority of protesters — a coalition of anti-war, socialist, and pro-Palestinian groups organized by the People’s Forum and ANSWER Coalition — carried signs reading “NO NEW US WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST” and “HAND OFF IRAN,” there was a smaller cohort of supporters advocating for the attacks.
Two days after the initial strikes, U.S. President Donald Trump said the operation would likely continue for several weeks. Iran hit back against Israel and Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and others.
A protester fixes her keffiyeh scarf at the demonstration in Times Square. (Credit: Victor Heller)
Protesters shout “Hands Off Iran.” (Credit: Victor Heller)
A video journalist films a drummer during the demonstration. (Credit: Victor Heller)
Activists record social media videos. (Credit: Victor Heller)
The demonstration moved from Times Square to Columbus Circle. (Credit: Victor Heller)
A female protester displayed a concerned expression. (Credit: Victor Heller)
While the majority of protesters carried signs reading “NO NEW US WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST” and “HAND OFF IRAN,” there was a smaller cohort of supporters advocating for the attacks and highlighting their support for U.S. President Donald Trump. (Credit: Victor Heller)
Many protesters expressed a mix of fear and anger about the expanding conflict in the Middle East. (Credit: Victor Heller)
A photographer captured the end of the protests in the Columbus Circle area. (Credit: Victor Heller)
One of the organizers announced that protests would continue on Monday, March 2. (Credit: Victor Heller)
About the author(s)
Victor Heller is a German multimedia journalist covering the politics of labor and business as well as culture in New York City.