Dozens Protest U.S. Strike On Iran In Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — Nearly 50 people gathered in Livermore's Flag Pole Plaza Thursday evening to call for peaceful relations between the U.S. and Iran.

Protesters sang "Imagine" by The Beatles and "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan, according to a press release from event organizer Kyoko Takayama. They brought signs that said "Peace is our gift to each other," "Don't Iraq Iran" and "War—No! Democracy—Yes!"

A few supporters of President Donald Trump showed up, Takayama said, and at one point, a driver exited their car to yell at protesters.

In a press release about the rally, she condemned the U.S.'s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, which restricted the country's nuclear program, and the recent U.S. airstrike on Iran that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. In retaliation Iran attacked two U.S. military bases in Iraq.

Takayama was critical of the fact that Congress was not notified ahead of the airstrike and said the move endangered troops, Iraqis and Iranians.

"We demand our government to use diplomacy and to avoid starting yet another war in the Middle East," the press release said. "We also urge our representatives, Senators (Dianne) Feinstein and (Kamala) Harris, and Congress member (Eric) Swalwell to do everything in their power to rein in the president’s impulsive behavior towards Iran."

Liberal advocacy groups Move On and Indivisible were behind the war protests in Livermore and throughout the country. Nearly 380 #NoWarWithIran protests were organized.