Dozens protested in Jacksonville against U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, linking the conflict to local military assets. Others defend the operations.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local activist group held a rally in Downtown Jacksonville on Sunday to protest U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, saying the conflict overseas has connections to Northeast Florida.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the federal courthouse carrying signs that read “Hands Off Iran” and chanting in opposition to the war, which has now entered its third week.

Members of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network said the rally was against what they describe as escalating violence across the Middle East.

Ryan Delaney, the group’s communications chair, said the demonstration was intended to show support for people affected by the conflict.

“People in the region are being attacked, displaced and murdered, not just by Israeli weapons, but by U.S. weapons,” Delaney said.

Organizers said the conflict also has ties to Jacksonville through local military assets.

According to the U.S. Naval Institute, four independently deployed guided missile destroyers are currently operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. One of those ships, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), is homeported at Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville.

Delaney said the group plans to continue protesting until the United States ends its involvement in what he called a “senseless war.”

John Scott, president of the Jacksonville Young Republicans Club, said his group supports the military operation and the U.S. leadership involved.

“We stand 100% behind the president, Secretary Hegseth, and the warfighters in the operation,” Scott said.

Scott said the military action is necessary to protect U.S. national security and its allies.

“Not only does this protect our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, but it also protects the national security interests and the safety and security of the citizens of this country,” he said.

Organizers with the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network said they plan to continue demonstrations as long as the conflict continues.