'Stop the war': Los Angeles protesters decry U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran

"Speakers called the attack an illegal act of war that violated the sovereignty of Iran and its people in an effort to force regime change. Iranians 'are not able to control their own resources and their own future, and that's not how it should be,' said Aida Ashouri, a candidate for L.A. city attorney. 'Iranians deserve, just like we do, the right to choose their own leaders.'"

"The protests, happening Monday in about 40 cities nationwide, as ABC-7 reported, were organized by a loose coalition of about 30 groups. Activists said the attack on Iran could destabilize the Middle East and put Americans in danger. After the attacks, California military bases and others throughout the U.S. were stepping up security measures."

"On streets around the world over the weekend, there were protests in outrage or bursts of celebration. Demonstrations were held in cities including New York, Berlin, Paris and Vienna by members of the Iranian diaspora and their supporters, celebrating the end of Khamenei's rule."

Coordinated protests against U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran took place Monday across approximately 40 cities nationwide, organized by a coalition of about 30 groups. In downtown Los Angeles, roughly 150 people gathered at City Hall to demonstrate against the attacks. Protesters characterized the strikes as illegal acts of war that violated Iran's sovereignty and were designed to force regime change. Speakers emphasized that Iranians deserve the right to self-determination and control over their own resources and future. Activists warned that the attacks could destabilize the Middle East and endanger Americans. The strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials. Meanwhile, celebrations and counter-demonstrations occurred globally, with Iranian diaspora members in cities like New York, Berlin, Paris, and Vienna marking the end of Khamenei's rule.

Read at Los Angeles Times