In Times Square on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters, some Iranian and Lebanese Americans, demanded an end to a war they claim the U.S. helped start.

“No bombs, no war. That’s what we have to do,” Lower East Side resident John King said.

What You Need To Know

Hundreds of protesters, some Iranian and Lebanese Americans, demanded an end to a war they claim the U.S. helped start in Times Square on Wednesday

The rally came as a brand-new ceasefire between the U.S., Iran and Israel is already on shaky ground

Iran’s parliament speaker called the negotiations unreasonable, accusing Washington of violating key conditions before the ink is even dry

The White House projected confidence, insisting that talks move forward

The rally came as a brand-new ceasefire between the U.S., Iran and Israel is already on shaky ground. Iran’s parliament speaker called the negotiations unreasonable, accusing Washington of violating key conditions before the ink is even dry.

The White House projected confidence, insisting that talks move forward.

“The president will only make a deal that serves in the best interests of the United States of America,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

But that message didn’t land for protesters.

“We have to stop funding these wars. We have to stop our politicians from being bought by war powers, by weapons manufacturers,” East Village resident Andrea Assaff said.

Protesters pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, still contested, with Iran reportedly demanding tolls from oil tankers and warning ships without approval that they’ll be attacked.

“He needs to immediately withdraw troops from the region, and he needs to actually negotiate in good faith,” Layan Fuleihan, with the People’s Forum, said.

On Capitol Hill, Democrats are pushing a resolution to block further military action. But Congress is on recess, and the path forward is narrow.

“I was really glad to see that announcement from Leader Jefferies. I’m hoping that they can continue to do more,” protester Etan Maburakh said.

Even those cautiously hopeful about the ceasefire aren’t letting up the pressure.

“I don’t want the taxpayer money of the people of the United States used to kill children, whether it’s in Iran, whether it’s in Lebanon, whether it’s in Gaza,” Fuleihan said.

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are expected to begin as soon as this weekend in Islamabad.