An anti-war rally took place in front of the Los Angeles City Hall on Monday evening to strongly condemn the U.S. government's attacks on Iran.
Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday morning have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East in recent days, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Protesters in Los Angeles raised banners and chanted slogans, calling on the U.S. government to cease military intervention in Iran's internal affairs.
They urged the U.S. government to focus more on the needs and demands of the American people instead of allocating funds to meaningless overseas wars.
"I want the U.S. to stop bombing Iran. Hands off Iran. Stop interfering with the politics of Iran. Stop sanctioning the people of Iran. So much money on killing people abroad. We are seeing people suffering from ICE raids here in the United States, suffering from high rents, the lack of housing, lack of social services that are being cut. People need to be supported right here. The people of Iran are not America's enemy. What people need is their government and taxpayer dollars to be spent on services for themselves and not on more death and war," said a demonstrator.
Some voiced serious concerns regarding the legality of the strikes ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Totally illegal war. It's against the U.S. Constitution for the president to start a war. It's against all principles of international law," another protester said.
Demonstrators gather outside Los Angeles City Hall to protest US strikes on Iran
Iran on Tuesday warned it would deliver a stern response to any new aggression, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordering preparations for a prolonged naval blockade of the country.
Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire remains in place amid stalled talks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.
In recent meetings, including a Monday discussion with top security officials in the White House, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports, said the report.
The president assessed that the blockade, "a high-risk bid" to compel Tehran's nuclear capitulation, carries less risk than other options -- resume bombing or walk away from the conflict, the officials were quoted as saying.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the same day that Tehran has completed "all necessary arrangements" to counter the U.S. naval blockade.
She noted that Iran's primary strategy focuses on maximizing its geographical advantages through effective tactical maneuvers.
Also on Tuesday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared that the military considers the current situation a state of war.
Akraminia added that Iran has fully updated its target lists and operational equipment, promising a "stern response" to any further aggression.
Mujtaba Ferdosipour, head of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, told the IRNA news agency on Wednesday that U.S. attempts to force unilateral demands through a naval blockade are ineffective. He stressed that Iran's extensive land borders with neighboring countries provide viable alternatives to bypass the maritime restrictions.
Ferdosipour reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels linked to Israel and the United States. He asserted that Iran has the right to manage security in the strait, maintaining that this position does not violate international conventions.
The envoy further stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no desire for direct negotiations. He emphasized that Tehran can employ all available means to defend itself against attacks.
According to the latest data from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted by 95.3 percent since Feb 27. The disruption has caused global food prices to rise by approximately six percent, while crude oil prices in European markets have surged by nearly 50 percent.
Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade
