Protests erupted in multiple countries, with demonstrators expressing support for the government of Iran, condemning the attacks as acts of aggression, and calling for an end to foreign intervention.[5][6] In Iran, pro-government rallies occurred in major cities such as Tehran, where crowds gathered to mourn Khamenei and denounce the strikes.[7][8] Internationally, anti-war groups organized demonstrations in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, with participants waving Flags of the Islamic Republic and chanting against the U.S. and Israel.[9] Clashes were reported in some locations, including near U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq and Pakistan.[10][11]
The demonstrations have varied in scale, from hundreds in U.S. cities to thousands in Tehran.[12] Counter-demonstrations supporting the strikes, particularly among Iranian diaspora communities opposed to the regime, have also occurred but are distinct from these pro-Iranian actions.[13]
Background
The protests followed the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated Israeli–U.S. military campaign against Iran on 28 February 2026.[14] Organizers, including coalitions of communist, socialist, and Islamist groups have framed the strikes as violations of international law.[15] The operation was justified by U.S. President Donald Trump as a response to Iran's nuclear program and its suppression of domestic protests in January 2026, which had resulted in thousands of deaths.[16] Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death, prompting immediate retaliatory missile strikes by Iran on Israeli and U.S. targets in the region.[17]
Prior to the strikes, Iran had faced internal unrest, including the 2025–2026 Iranian protests, which were met with a government crackdown.[18] The international protests built on existing anti-war sentiments, with organizers citing fears of escalation into a broader regional conflict.[citation needed]
Protests by location
Iran
In Tehran, pro-government demonstrators marched on 28 February, waving Iranian flags and chanting against the U.S. and Israel.[19] Similar rallies occurred in Yasuj, where crowds mourned Khamenei.[20] State media reported gatherings in Enqelab Square on 1 March.[21]
Over 1,300 demonstrators, mainly affiliated with the Communist Party of Greece, protested in Athens, with people holding banners and placards reading, "Hands off Iran" and "Close Souda base."[28]
Iraq
In Baghdad, pro-Iranian protesters attempted to approach the U.S. Embassy on 1 March, leading to clashes with security forces using tear gas.[29][30]
Protests erupted across Pakistan on 1 March 2026, primarily among Shia Muslim communities, in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israeli strikes. The demonstrations condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Iran, with chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."[31][32]
In Karachi, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the US Consulate, breaching the outer wall and clashing with police and paramilitary forces who used tear gas and live fire. As protests escalated, the Marine Security Guards opened fire, killing at least 22 protestors and injuring over 120 people.[33][34][35] Protesters smashed windows, torched a nearby police post, and set vehicles ablaze before being dispersed.[36]
In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US Consulate, holding peaceful rallies with no reported violence in some accounts, though police monitored closely.[37][38]
Protests also occurred in Islamabad, where authorities blocked roads to the red zone and increased security around the US Embassy amid calls for demonstrations.[39] Additional rallies were reported in Multan, where Shiite participants mourned Khamenei and condemned the strikes, and plans were noted for further actions in Peshawar and other areas.[40]
In Gilgit-Baltestan, pro-Iranian protests erupted in Gilgit, on 1 March 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israeli strikes. Thousands of Shiite demonstrators, angered by the attacks, targeted United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) office in Gilgit city amid widespread unrest in the region.[41][42] Eight people were killed in Skardu after protesters set fire to offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. Other buildings, including a school, were damaged.[43]
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Pakistan: 22 dead, 120+ injured