Tensions flared at Washington Square Park as protesters and counter-protesters clashed over the escalating war between the United States, Israel and Iran.

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Tensions flared at Washington Square Park as protesters and counter-protesters clashed over the escalating war between the United States, Israel and Iran

One group gathering for a vigil honoring Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S. and Israeli strike last weekend

With only a barricade between them, counter-protesters led by Iranian ex-pats and Israeli supporters waving the Israeli and American flags, and the Iranian flag, used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution

One group gathering for a vigil honoring Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S. and Israeli strike last weekend.

“I’m a supporter of this important commemoration of the brave martyrs that the U.S. and Israel murdered with bombs,” anti-war protester Larry Holmes said.

The strike was part of a broader military campaign hitting Iran’s missile sites and warships, a conflict that Iranian officials say has already killed more than 200 people.

“They can’t tell people in Iran how to feel. People in Iran are supporting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” anti-war protester Jesus Nievez said.

With only a barricade between them, counter-protesters led by Iranian ex-pats and Israeli supporters waving the Israeli and American flags, and the Iranian flag, used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“Of course, we needed external intervention to get rid of these terrorists from the whole Middle East, and they have the power of oil behind them,” pro-war Iranian protester Ana said.

For others there, they say the conflict is deeply personal.

“I can’t believe it. I’m mad. I’m seriously mad and furious. They don’t have any right to do this,” pro-war Iranian protester Shokran Rahiminejad said.

Meanwhile, the war continues to expand with retaliatory attacks across the Middle East and new U.S. intelligence reports that Russia may be sharing information with Iran that could help target American forces in the region.