Following the US-led airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, massive anti-war demonstrations broke out in New York City, with protesters denouncing both American military aggression and Israel’s involvement in the conflict.
The protests come after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the success of “Operation Midnight Hammer”, which targeted three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, on the direct order of former President Donald Trump.
Protesters Flood Times Square: “Hands Off Iran”
On June 22, 2025, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Times Square, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs reading:
- “Stop the War on Iran”
- “Hands Off Iran”
- “No More Blood for Oil”
Chants filled the streets as protestors called out US foreign policy and accused Israel of pushing for war in both Iran and Gaza.
Netizens Question Legality of the Protest
The protests, which were largely peaceful, drew mixed reactions online. Some netizens criticized the demonstrators, questioning whether they had obtained permits to march on public roads.
Key online reactions included:
- “Do they have a permit to march in the street like that? If not, why is it tolerated?”
- “Then arrest them. Charge them. Repeat.”
- “Preprinted signs carried by the unemployed. Where do they get the money?”
While others expressed apathy or disdain, some supported the demonstration, calling it a constitutional right to protest war and imperialism.
NYPD Response: Increased Security Across the City
The New York Police Department (NYPD) issued a statement confirming increased police deployment across NYC, especially at religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites, in coordination with federal agencies.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to key locations and monitoring for any potential impact to NYC,” said the NYPD.
This comes amid concerns of retaliation or unrest following the escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict.
Operation Midnight Hammer: US Military Strikes Iran
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Sunday that three major nuclear sites in Iran were successfully targeted during the overnight operation:
- Fordow
- Natanz
- Isfahan
“On President Trump’s order, the US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities,” Hegseth said.
He praised the military operation as an “incredible and overwhelming success,” emphasizing that the mission had met its objectives.
Why Are Americans Protesting the Iran Strikes?
The protests stem from several concerns voiced by demonstrators:
- Fear of escalation into a full-scale regional war
- Opposition to American military intervention abroad
- Solidarity with civilians in Iran and Palestine
- Concern over rising oil prices and global instability
For many, the strikes represent a repeat of historical patterns where US foreign policy is seen as fueling conflict in the Middle East.
Conclusion: War Abroad, Dissent at Home
As the Middle East plunges deeper into conflict, the repercussions are reverberating globally, with New York becoming a focal point for anti-war activism. While the US government celebrates its military success, many Americans are demanding peace, diplomacy, and accountability.
With protests gaining momentum and international tensions rising, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this escalates into broader conflict or forces renewed diplomatic engagement.
Key Highlights:
- Hundreds protest in NYC after US strikes Iran’s nuclear facilities
- Demonstrators blame both US and Israeli governments for the conflict
- Online backlash questions legality of the protest
- NYPD boosts security across New York
- Operation Midnight Hammer declared a success by Pentagon