The rally was one of coordinated protests nationwide as President Trump said operations could last four to five weeks.
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Demonstrators gathered Monday evening near 16th Street and Broadway in Sacramento to protest escalating U.S. military action in Iran, joining what organizers described as a “coordinated nationwide day of action.”
The event was promoted by the ANSWER Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Organizers called for emergency protests opposing further U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Participants held signs and chanted slogans calling for an end to the strikes.
“I’m half Iranian, and we were horrified to see the recent attacks,” said Neely, who identified herself as a volunteer member with the National Iranian American Council. “Change has to come from within.”
The rally took place as U.S. and Israeli forces continued air operations in Iran. Iranian forces and allied groups have retaliated with strikes across the region, including attacks affecting Israel and parts of the Gulf.
President Donald Trump said Monday that the military campaign is projected to last four to five weeks but added that the United States has the capability to continue longer if necessary. He has long expressed support for the Iranian people trying to overthrow their government, and said the strikes are intended to address threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During remarks in Washington, president Trump said he grieves for the “heroic American service members who have been killed in action.” He went on to say, “[We] send our love and support to their families. In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people. A threat indeed it is. We have the strongest and most powerful by far military in the world, and we will easily prevail.”
U.S. officials have confirmed American casualties in the conflict. Iranian authorities have reported hundreds of deaths since the strikes began, and Israeli officials have reported fatalities following retaliatory attacks.
Several Sacramento protesters criticized the administration’s decision to initiate military action.
“Other countries have the right to sovereignty,” said Lysandra, with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, who attended the rally. “Intervention only creates more harm.”
Others said domestic priorities should take precedence.
“We should focus on making the United States better rather than trying to fix other countries,” local resident Bruno, said.
Not everyone in the area opposed the strikes. Some expressed support for the president’s actions.
“I believe in Trump,” resident Nakeevion said.
A CNN poll conducted by research firm SSRS found that 59% of Americans oppose the decision to strike Iran. The survey also found that 60% believe the president does not have a clear plan, while 12% support sending U.S. ground troops.
Organizers said additional demonstrations are planned in the coming days.
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