Thousands protest in Manhattan against US military action in Middle East

China

Thousands protest in Manhattan against US military action in Middle East

2026-03-29 14:46 Last Updated At：16:07

Thousands of demonstrators marched through Manhattan, New York City on Saturday in a massive anti‑war rally, with protesters voicing opposition to escalating conflict and demanding an end to U.S. military action in the Middle East.

In the afternoon near Central Park, crowds gathered holding placards and chanting against the widening conflict. Demonstrators condemned U.S. military strikes on Iran and demanded an immediate halt to war operations.

"Stop the war," demonstrators chanted as they assembled in Midtown Manhattan, one of several focal points of the protest.

According to U.S. media reports, more than 3,000 related demonstrations took place across the country on the same day, with New York City serving as one of the main gathering cities for the coordinated anti-war movement.

"Ceasefire now, no more endless wars, why are we attacking countries in the Middle East? And we are a nation that has been at war long enough. It is time for peace," said a protester.

"No more extra wars, no war on Cuba," said another protester.

In addition to opposing war, protesters also voiced anger over domestic concerns such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"I don't like what's going on in this country, I don't think anybody does. Well, that among many, many other things, not just the war, but there's a lot of things like healthcare, arresting citizens that aren't criminals, and the list goes on and on. There's a lot of grievances," said a protester.

The demonstrations came in the wake of joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities on Feb. 28. The attacks killed Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians.

No massive foreign evacuation happens in Dubai despite regional tensions

Dubai has not witnessed a large-scale departure of foreign residents despite the ongoing regional tensions since Israel and the United States started military strikes on Iran on February 28, a senior Dubai official said in an exclusive interview with the China Media Group (CMG).

The crisis, which has persisted for a month across the Gulf region, has raised concerns about the impact on Dubai -- a major tourism hub and global social media sensation.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, confirmed in the interview with CMG that while travels have declined, there has been no massive exodus of foreigners seen in the city.

"Currently, Dubai is able to ensure the normal movement of travelers, but there is still a difference compared with the period [before the conflict]. Overall numbers are not as high as before. The current number of travelers is about 60 percent of previous levels," said Marri.

Marri said that Dubai, as an international metropolis, has over 90 percent of its population made up of foreign residents. Although crisis occurred in neighboring countries, there has been no panic or large-scale evacuation of people in Dubai, he said.

He stressed that the GDRFA is operating normally in its services and management of foreigners, and that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is fully capable of handling this crisis and protecting people's safety.

Marri also expressed his optimism about the future.

"The UAE always aspires for a better, more stable, and safer future. Crisis is a part of life, and we have already been tested many times," said Marri.