Massive anti-war protests broke out in New York City on Sunday following the United States’ recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Demonstrators marched through the streets condemning Operation Midnight Hammer, the US-led military campaign targeting Iran’s key nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Carrying Palestinian flags and holding signs that read “Hands Off Iran” and “Stop The War on Iran,” protesters also voiced outrage at Israel, accusing it of provoking the latest round of conflict with Iran and continuing its military operation in Gaza.
The protests unfolded amid a citywide security alert, with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) deploying additional resources across sensitive locations.
“We’re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners,” the NYPD posted on X.
The NYPD emphasized that while there are no specific threats at this time, the move is a precautionary measure in response to the growing global tensions.
The unrest in New York comes after US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had launched a precision strike on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike’s success during a media briefing alongside Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine.
“Last night, on President Trump’s order, the US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran — Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear programme. It was an overwhelming success,” Hegseth said.
He further clarified that the operation did not target Iranian troops or civilians, and was solely focused on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
While US officials hailed the mission as a strategic victory, growing domestic dissent—reflected in widespread protests—is placing pressure on the administration, as fears of regional escalation and long-term consequences mount. Other major US cities are also reportedly stepping up security in anticipation of potential demonstrations.