Conflicting activist groups gathered outside the Wilshire Federal Building on June 18 and 23 to protest U.S. involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran war.
These protests followed a series of significant military actions, including Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion on June 13, which targeted Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this operation involved aerial strikes specifically against nuclear facilities.
On June 21, President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming the attacks were ‘very successful’ and calling for peace on his platform, Truth Social.
In the wake of these developments, the Party for Socialism and Liberation spearheaded multiple anti-war demonstrations in front of the federal building, largely attended by Marines and National Guardsmen.
Shany Ebadi, an organizer for the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism Coalition (ANSWER) and a Santa Monica College alumnus, expressed the discontent of citizens regarding perceived government deception as a pretext for war.
‘People are tired of lies to manufacture a war,’ Ebadi stated during the protests.
On June 18, demonstrators donned keffiyehs while holding anti-war signs at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue, creating a strong visual presence.
Among the crowd were half-uniformed veterans standing beneath a banner proclaiming, ‘Vets Say: Refuse Unlawful Orders.’
In contrast, on June 23, the Los Angeles Iranian Protest Organization convened a pro-U.S-intervention rally at the same location, advocating for regime change in Iran.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, spokesperson Kate Dehbashi urged U.S. lawmakers to increase their support for Israel and halt negotiations with Iran, emphasizing their radical stance: ‘We do not want reform, we just want regime change.’
The call for action draws attention to the historical context, including the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran by Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 and the subsequent leadership of Ali Khamenei since 1989.
Pro-U.S. intervention protester Shiva Bagheri, who is also the chair of Assembly District 51 for the LAGOP, highlighted the hostility of the Iranian regime, stating, ‘You have an evil regime that doesn’t care about the people; all they care about is killing Jews and eliminating Israel.’
Bagheri expressed gratitude for President Trump’s decisive military actions, claiming, ‘I’m thankful that we have a president now that doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk.’
Following intense exchanges, President Trump on June 23 brokered a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, a deal that he claimed was soon violated.
In remarks to reporters, Trump described the rapid renewal of hostilities, saying, ‘As soon as we made the deal, they (Israel) came out and dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before.’
Despite the violence, both Iran and Israel agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, allowing for a momentary pause in what Trump referred to as the ’12-day war.’
On June 24, Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour reported that the Israeli campaign had resulted in 610 Iranian deaths and nearly 4,746 injuries, while Israel recorded 28 fatalities and over 1,472 wounded according to their Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both protests at the federal building were notable for their sizable and peaceful turnouts, with no police intervention at the scene.
However, military personnel were present, forming a defensive barrier around the building while carrying riot shields and plastic handcuffs, with some armed with rifles.
Ebadi reiterated the intent of the protestors, asserting, ‘They’re here to follow orders; we’re here to protest peacefully. We’re here for our community.’
image source from：thecorsaironline
