Anti-War Protests Erupt in New York Over US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Demonstrators rally against Operation Midnight Hammer, condemning US airstrikes on Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz; NYPD ramps up security across NYC

New York [US], June 23 — Outrage over the U.S. military’s Operation Midnight Hammer boiled over into the streets of New York City on Sunday as hundreds of anti-war protesters marched to denounce the recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The demonstrators, many waving Palestinian flags and holding signs that read “Hands Off Iran” and “Stop The War on Iran,” gathered in response to the coordinated precision strikes targeting Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz facilities — a military move U.S. President Donald Trump called a direct blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The protests, which spanned key intersections and neighborhoods across New York City, were fueled by widespread concern that the military escalation could spiral into a broader Middle Eastern conflict. Protesters not only condemned the U.S.-led strikes but also called out Israel for what they described as triggering the regional confrontation with Iran and intensifying their offensive in Gaza.

Chants of “No more war,” “Free Palestine,” and “De-escalate now!” echoed through the streets as demonstrators demanded an immediate halt to military aggression and a return to diplomacy. Many carried posters linking the strikes to broader U.S. foreign policy criticism, asserting that such actions risk global stability.

Amidst the demonstrations, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) elevated security protocols across the city. In a public advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), the department announced that “additional resources would be deployed to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC” as part of a coordinated federal and local response.

“We’re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners. We’ll continue to monitor for any potential impact to NYC,” the NYPD stated.

The heightened alert follows President Trump’s dramatic announcement late Saturday, confirming that U.S. forces had successfully carried out precision bombings on Iran’s key nuclear installations as part of Operation Midnight Hammer.

Speaking at a Pentagon media briefing alongside Air Force General Dan Caine, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the mission’s success, stating:

“Last night, on President Trump’s order, the US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran — Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear programme. It was an incredible and overwhelming success.”

Hegseth emphasized that the orders were “focused, powerful, and clear”, with the intent of neutralizing Iran’s ability to enrich weapons-grade uranium. He added:

“We devastated the Iranian nuclear program. But it’s worth noting that the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people.”

Despite these reassurances, protesters in New York expressed deep skepticism, arguing that even limited military action fuels instability and risks civilian lives.

As the UN and global leaders call for de-escalation, anti-war sentiment in the U.S. appears to be building. Activist organizations have announced more rallies across Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles in the coming days, calling for a congressional inquiry into the strike order and a renewed commitment to diplomacy.

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