SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown San Francisco on Feb. 28 for an emergency rally condemning recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, joining a wave of demonstrations across the country.
The protest came less than a day after Israeli forces, reportedly in coordination with the United States, launched missile and air strikes on targets in Iran — an operation that has sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East and raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.
The rally began outside the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building before demonstrators marched through nearby streets, chanting “No war on Iran” and temporarily blocking traffic in parts of downtown.
The crowd included students, families, longtime anti-war activists and members of the local Iranian and Middle Eastern communities.
By Saturday afternoon, several hundred people had filled the streets near Seventh and Mission. Many carried signs reading “Stop War Now” and “Hands Off Iran,” while others waved Palestinian flags or held banners calling for an end to U.S. military involvement in the region.
Speakers at the rally criticized the strikes and warned that escalating hostilities could lead to further instability and civilian casualties. Some protesters expressed concern that the United States could be drawn into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The San Francisco rally was one of several demonstrations held nationwide following the military action, as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate.
