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Pro-Iranian protests during the 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran

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This article is about pro-Islamic Republic, anti-war protests that occurred after the strikes. For demonstrations held by anti-Islamic Republic Iranians in favour of the conflict, see 2026 Iranian diaspora protests.
Protests against 2026 Iran war
Part of Reactions to the 2026 Iran conflict
Date28 February 2026 – present (6 days)
Location
Worldwide
Caused by
MethodsDemonstrations • Riots • Civil disobedience
Parties
Anti-war demonstrators
Pro-Islamic Republic demonstrators
Security forces (in some locations)
Pro-strike demonstrators
Casualties and losses
Pakistan: 26–35 killed, 120+ injured

Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the long time supreme leader of Iran, and strikes against Iran on 28 February 2026 by a joint military operation conducted by Israel and the United States against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, protests opposing the conflict were held in several countries.[1][2] In addition to Khamenei's death, the strikes targeted Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, and government infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of other high-ranking officials.[3][4]

Protests erupted in multiple countries, with demonstrators condemning the attacks as acts of aggression and calling for an end to foreign intervention, and some expressing support for the government of Iran.[5][6] In Iran, pro-government rallies occurred in major cities such as Tehran, where crowds gathered to mourn Khamenei and denounce the strikes.[7][3] Internationally, anti-war groups organized demonstrations in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, with participants waving flags of the Islamic Republic and chanting against the U.S. and Israel.[2] Clashes were reported in some locations, including near U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq and Pakistan.[8][9]

The demonstrations have varied in scale, from hundreds in U.S. cities to thousands in Tehran.[10] In contrast, celebratory demonstrations supporting the strikes, particularly among Iranian diaspora communities opposed to the regime, have also occurred but are distinct from these anti-war actions.[1]

Background

Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated Israeli–U.S. military campaign against Iran, was launched on 28 February 2026.[11] The operation was justified by U.S. president Donald Trump as a response to Iran's nuclear program and its suppression of domestic protests in January 2026, which had resulted in thousands of deaths.[6] Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death, prompting retaliatory missile strikes by Iran on Israeli and U.S. targets in the region.[3]

The protestors have framed the strikes as violations of international law.[2]

Involved parties

Iran

In Tehran, pro-government demonstrators marched on 28 February, waving Islamic Republic flags and chanting against the U.S. and Israel.[7] Similar rallies occurred in Yasuj, where crowds mourned Khamenei.[6] State media reported gatherings in Enqelab Square on 1 March.[3]

United States

Main article: 2026 United States protests against strikes on Iran

Demonstrations occurred in multiple cities in the United States on 28 February. In Washington, D.C., hundreds protested near the White House.[5] In New York City, pro-Iranian protests took place in Times Square.[2] Protests were also held in other cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Philadelphia.[12][13][10][14] The protests were sponsored mainly by a coalition of left-wing groups critical of the United States' involvement in the strikes.[15] These groups include the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, the 50501 movement, American Muslims for Palestine, The People's Forum, Palestinian Youth Movement, CodePink, Black Alliance for Peace, Democratic Socialists of America, and widely regarded as the Islamic Republic's lobby, the National Iranian American Council, who all gathered to denounce the United States' Iran strikes as illegal and a violation of international law.[15] Actress and activist Jane Fonda joined anti-war demonstrators sponsored by these groups at a Los Angeles rally.[16]

Other countries

Bangladesh

Pro-Iran demonstration was organized by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on 1 March condemning Khamenei's death and demanding the intervention of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.[17] Anti-war demonstrations were staged by Ganosanhati Andolan in Dhaka on 6 March, demanding Bangladeshi government's initiative to end the "sacrilegious war" against Iran.[18]

Greece

Over 1,300 demonstrators, mainly affiliated with the Communist Party of Greece, protested in Athens, with people holding ‌banners and placards reading, "Hands off Iran" and "Close Souda base".[19]

India

Shia Muslims protested the killing of Ali Khamenei across India on 1 March 2026. Candle marches, demonstrations and protests were held by the Shias and supporting political parties in the states and union territories of Bihar, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.[20][21][22] In many places, demonstrators carried portraits of Khamenei, and raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans while mourning his death through various rituals.[20][23][24]

Iraq

In Baghdad, pro-Iranian protesters attempted to approach the U.S. Embassy on 1 March, leading to clashes with security forces using tear gas.[25][8]

Morocco

On 28 February there are reports of anti-war protests in Rabat.[26][better source needed]

Nigeria

Shia Muslim demonstrators affiliated with the Islamic Movement gathered in Kano to mourn the death of Khamenei. Demonstrators were seen waving Iranian and Palestinian flags while dragging US and Israeli flags on the ground.[27]

Pakistan

Main article: 2026 attack on the United States consulate in Karachi

Protests erupted across Pakistan on 1 March 2026, primarily among Shia Muslim communities, in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israeli strikes. The demonstrations condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Iran, with chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."[9][28] Protestors also accused the Pakistani government of siding with the US during the conflict.[29] The nationwide protests lead to the deaths of 26–35 protestors and 120 injured, including 10–16 at the US Consulate in Karachi, at least 3 at the US embassy in Islamabad and at least 13 in Gilgit-Baltistan.[30][31][32][33]

In Karachi, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the US Consulate, breaching the outer wall and clashing with police and paramilitary forces who used tear gas and live fire. As protests escalated, the Marine Security Guards opened fire, killing at least 10 and upto 16 protestors and injuring over 60 people.[34][35][36][31] Protesters smashed windows, torched a nearby police post, and set vehicles ablaze before being dispersed.[37]

In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US Consulate, but were dispersed by the police after the consulate was attacked.[9][38] Protests also occurred in Islamabad, authorities blocked roads to the Red Zone and increased security around the US Embassy amid calls for demonstrations with 3 protesters being killed near the embassy.[29][39][32] Additional rallies were reported in Multan, where Shia participants mourned Khamenei and condemned the strikes, and plans were noted for further actions in Peshawar and other areas.[40] Protests and demonstrations were also reported in Faisalabad.[41]

In Gilgit-Baltistan, pro-Iranian protests erupted in Gilgit, on 1 March 2026 following the killing of Khamenei, thousands of Shia demonstrators targeted and set fire to the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group amid widespread unrest in the region.[42][43] At least 13 protestors and 1 security officer were killed and 60 were injured in Gilgit, Skardu, and Shigar districts, and other buildings, including a school, were damaged. A three-day curfew was imposed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Army troops were deployed in the region.[29][41][33]

South Korea

On 1 March there are reports of anti-war protests in Seoul.[26][better source needed]

Spain

On 28 February a man was protesting in Madrid, holding up a sign that says "no war on Iran".[44]

Turkey

Demonstrations against the strikes were held in Izmir on 28 February.[45]

United Kingdom

In London, anti-strikes protests took place on 28 February.[46] London's Metropolitan Police imposed conditions on both the Iranian diaspora rallies and the pro-Palestinian "Hands off Iran" protests in order to prevent potential clashes between the opposing groups.[47][48]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "February 28, 2026 — US-Israeli strikes on Iran". CNN. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d "Protesters rally across US after strikes on Iran that killed Khamenei". The Guardian. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b c d "Live Updates: Iran Vows to Avenge Leader's Death as Strikes Continue". The New York Times. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  4. ^ "Israel says its air force strikes Tehran again after killing Khamenei but many targets remain". Reuters. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  5. ^ a b "Outside White House, hundreds protest attack on Iran, urge end to conflict". The Washington Post. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  6. ^ a b c "U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran continue into 2nd day, as the region faces turmoil". NPR. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  7. ^ a b "Pro-government demonstrators march in Tehran against US-Israel strikes". Reuters. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  8. ^ a b "US-Israel strikes on Iran: Tear gas fired at pro-Iranian protesters near US Embassy in Baghdad". The Economic Times. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  9. ^ a b c "At least 9 killed in pro-Iran protest at US consulate in Pakistan's Karachi". Al Jazeera. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  10. ^ a b "Hundreds of S.F. protesters denounce U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran". Mission Local. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  11. ^ "Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What's next?". Atlantic Council. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  12. ^ "Protests opposing the US-led strikes in Iran planned in multiple cities". The Hill. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  13. ^ "US-Israel attack on Iran: Illinois leaders react, demonstrations held downtown Chicago". ABC7 Chicago. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  14. ^ "Philadelphia protesters condemn U.S. military attacks on Iran". WHYY. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  15. ^ a b Helmore, Edward (2026-02-28). "Protesters rally across US after Iran strikes and reports of Khamenei killing". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-01.
  16. ^ "LA protesters rally against U.S. strikes on Iran". KTLA5. 2026-02-28.
  17. ^ "Jamaat condemns Khamenei's killing, holds protest rally in Dhaka". The Business Standard. 1 March 2026.
  18. ^ "যুদ্ধ বন্ধে বাংলাদেশের উদ্যোগ চায় গণসংহতি আন্দোলন". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 6 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  19. ^ "Antiwar protesters march on US and Israeli embassies in Athens". Al Jazeera. 1 March 2026.
  20. ^ a b "Protests in several parts of India over killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei". The New Indian Express. 1 March 2026.
  21. ^ "Muslims across country protest against killing of Iranian leader Khamenei; offer condolences, raise slogans against US, Israel". ANI News. 1 March 2026.
  22. ^ "Chennai police thwart VCK cadres from protesting outside U.S. Consulate". The Hindu. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  23. ^ "Angry protests in Kashmir over Khamenei's killing; educational institutions to remain closed for two days". The Hindu. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  24. ^ "Protests in Kashmir against killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei in US-Israel strike". The Times of India. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  25. ^ "Iran attacks US bases after confirming Khamenei's death". DW. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  26. ^ a b Global protests erupt against US and Israeli strikes on Iran. TRT. Retrieved 2026-03-02 – via www.youtube.com.
  27. ^ "Nigerians mourn killing of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  28. ^ "Nine people killed as protests erupt in Pakistan and Iraq over Khamenei's death". Reuters. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  29. ^ a b c "Pakistan calls troops, orders 3-day curfew as 24 killed in pro-Iran rallies". Al Jazeera. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  30. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  31. ^ a b Sharma, Shivani; Mishra, Ashutosh (2026-03-02). "35 killed in Pakistan as pro-Khamenei protests near US embassies turn deadly". India Today. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
  32. ^ a b Junaidi, Ikram (2026-03-03). "Death toll in capital protest rises to three". Dawn. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  33. ^ a b Nagri, Jamil (2026-03-04). "Judicial commission to probe GB security situation". Dawn. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
  34. ^ Jawad, Adil; MUNIR AHMED (1 March 2026). "At least 22 people killed in Pakistan as protesters try to storm US Consulate". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  35. ^ Peltier, Elian; ur-Rehman, Zia; Akbary, Yaqoob (1 March 2026). "Protesters Try to Storm U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  36. ^ "At least 22 people killed in Pakistan as protesters try to storm US Consulate". The Washington Post. 1 March 2026. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  37. ^ "Protests erupt in different cities across Pakistan; 9 dead in violent clashes near US Consulate in Karachi". Dawn. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  38. ^ "Iran and Israel launch fresh attacks after Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei killed - live updates". BBC News. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  39. ^ "Protests break out in Pakistan, Iraq over Khamenei's death; 9 die in Karachi". Arab News. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  40. ^ "Protesters storm US Consulate in Pakistan over killing of Iran's supreme leader; at least 9 killed". WGAL. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  41. ^ a b Hussain, Abid (2 March 2026). "Fury on Pakistan streets, 20 dead, after US-Israel strike kills Khamenei". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  42. ^ "At least 10 killed in Pakistan as protesters try to storm US Consulate over Khamenei's death". ABC7. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  43. ^ "Multiple protesters were injured during clashes near the United Nations Military Observer's office in Gilgit city". Pamir Times (Facebook). 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  44. ^ Keeley, Graham. "At odds with Europe: Why is Spain saying 'no' to US-Israeli war on Iran?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
  45. ^ "Photos show global reaction to US and Israeli strikes". WPR. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  46. ^ "Here's how world leaders are reacting to the US-Israel strikes on Iran". OPB. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  47. ^ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/28/pro-palestinian-march-london-hands-off-iran-protest/ [bare URL]
  48. ^ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pro-palestinians-march-hands-off-130254632.html [bare URL]
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