Overview
- Thousands turned out nationwide within hours of the operation, including a Times Square march that swelled to nearly 1,000 and moved to Columbus Circle, blocking traffic.
- Bay Area events ranged from a San Francisco rally outside the federal building to smaller Berkeley gatherings where some Iranian diaspora voices backed change in Tehran but opposed foreign bombing.
- In Chicago’s Federal Plaza, more than 100 people rallied as speakers warned of regional destabilization and a prolonged conflict tied to U.S. involvement.
- Iran’s Red Crescent reported more than 200 deaths from the overnight attack, and some outlets reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed as residents in Tehran sheltered or tried to flee.
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth voiced deep concern over the administration’s approach and warned of possible U.S. boots on the ground, with Congress set to weigh measures to curb presidential war powers next week.