Dozens attend downtown Chicago protest at Federal Plaza against US strikes on Iran by Donald Trump administration
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 saw a few dozen people show up at Federal Plaza on Sunday night, all of them protesting against the Trump administration’s attacks in Iran.

The protesters said they are worried the U.S. is headed to another dragged out conflict in the Middle East.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The protesters, who rallied for peace, said they are tired of the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration.

“Trump, who claims that he’s a peacemaker, is now bombing Iran,” one speaker said.

The group of protesters decided to gather on Sunday after hearing of Trump’s decision on Saturday night to attack three of Iran’s nuclear sites.

The president called those strikes a massive success while saying now is the time for peace. But these people are worried of the possible retaliation to come from Iran.

“This doesn’t help anyone, and also it blows all of our money for no reason, and Trump knows that, too. For a fiscally conservative, small government type of guy, the worst thing you want to do is spend another 1 or 2 trillion on a war we’re not going to win,” said Evanston resident Neema Naezem.

It is another Middle East conflict that hits close to home for Ali Tarokh, a human rights activist who was previously arrested by the Iranian military before he escaped to the U.S. as a refugee in 2012.

“The regime couldn’t tolerate that, and I got arrested. Four months of military confinement, two years prison, and I was banned from studying university, and that’s why I arrived here,” Tarokh said.

READ MORE | Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy

As an Iranian native, he does not see how this can end peacefully for either country.

“He closed all doors now. I don’t know how he would bring the Iranians to the table again,” Tarokh said.

Sunday’s protests were just the start of the rallies that are planned for this week in Chicago. Organizers said they plan to return to Federal Plaza on Monday afternoon to continue their anti-war protests.

SEE ALSO | Trump is open to regime change in Iran, after his administration said that wasn’t the goal

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Officer pulls missing boy from freezing pond and reunites him with dad

Officer Rescues Missing Boy from Icy Pond, Reunites Him with Father

In a remarkable rescue that unfolded on Christmas night, a police officer…
Tentative deal reached between hockey league and union players, ECHL says

ECHL Announces Preliminary Agreement with Players’ Union to Resolve Dispute

After a recent strike by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) over…
The most shocking celebrity splits of 2025

Unbelievable Celebrity Breakups of 2025 That Shook Hollywood

Even the privileged lives of the rich and famous cannot shield them…
Vehicle drives into crowd in East Hollywood, injuring more than 20

Tragic Midair Helicopter Collision in New Jersey: One Fatality, Another Injured

A harrowing scene unfolded in Hammonton, New Jersey, where two helicopters collided…
Trump’s peace through strength in 2025: where wars stopped and rivals came to the table

Unveiling Trump’s 2025 Peace Strategy: How ‘Strength’ Silenced Conflicts and United Global Rivals

As the year 2025 began, Donald Trump took office with a commitment…
Iran declares 'full-scale war' with US as nuclear tensions escalate

Iran Announces Full-Scale Conflict with US Amid Escalating Nuclear Tensions

Iran’s president has declared that the nation is engaged in a “full-scale…
Pop-Tarts Bowl features shenanigans and mascot sacrifices following BYU win

BYU Victory at Pop-Tarts Bowl Brings Unexpected Mascot Antics and Surprises

The postgame scene at the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mix of quirky…
Here's how to watch Patriots vs. Jets live for free

Stream Patriots vs. Jets Live: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching for Free!

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…