'We are here to say no': Anti-war protest held in Portland after US military strikes in Iran
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — People in Portland are reacting to the U.S. military strikes in Iran with an anti-war protest at the Battleship Memorial on Southwest Naito Parkway.
U.S. forces attacked three Iranian nuclear and military sites on Saturday, increasing the stakes in the Israel-Iran war.
About 100 people showed up to the rally on Portland's South Waterfront on Sunday afternoon, with some holding signs and even the Iranian flag, calling for no more war.
President Donald Trump said the strikes were "very successful," but the military action has been criticized by Democrats nationally as constitutionally questionable, which some protesters agreed with.
The organization 50501, with other groups, called for a stop to a potential war with Iran, calling Trump a war criminal.
"Trump's sort of unilateral declaration of war on Iran is completely unacceptable, and we are here to say no, we are not willing to accept that and we are going to stand up and say something about it," said Chris, one of the co-sponsors of the rally.
"The American people don't want war. We don't want our money to go to killing people. We want money to save the people who are dying on our streets. We want money so that people can afford to eat, can afford their housing. We have a lot of crises at home, and we need to be focusing on that instead.
The U.S. strikes came after a week of open conflict between Israel and Iran, sparked by Israel's attacks against Iran's nuclear and military structure.
Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. But Israel views it as a threat.
Rabbi Michael Z Cahana, with Beth Israel Portland, said he questions if the president has the authority to call for the strike. However, he said there are other complications surrounding the issue, such as the importance of preventing Iran from building nuclear weapons.
"The Iranian regime has been an enemy of the United States for over 40 years. The regime begins every day with 'Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to the West.' And they have put those threats into action. It's not just a slogan," Rabbi Cahana said.
The Jewish Federation of Portland sent a statement, saying in part, "We thank the administration and the United States Armed Forces for this historic effort."
They added that they hope the parties involved in the conflict can come to the negotiating table and find peace soon.