'No To War With Iran' Rally In Port Jefferson Station Scheduled

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — A "No To War With Iran" rally is scheduled for Thursday in Port Jefferson Station. Demonstrators are slated to meet at the intersection of Routes 112 and 347, which organizers are dubbing "Resistance Corner," from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The North Country Peace Group is hosting the rally, representing MoveOn, a progressive public policy advocacy group and political action committee. Attendees are told to bring signs to protest President Donald Trump and a possible war with Iran.

"Trump's reckless action has needlessly endangered countless lives of U.S. troops, Iraqis, Iranians, and countless other civilians," the No War With Iran! website reads. "The devastation that a war with Iran could bring upon the earth and humanity cannot be overstated — millions of lives hang in the balance. None of us will win, except politicians and corporations. Even more resources that our communities desperately need will be wasted on unnecessary violence. People in the United States and across the globe are tired of war—from the military families who have seen multiple generations serve in the same conflict, to the Iranian, Iraqi, and Afghan families in the United States who worry for their loved ones back home."

The U.S. military launched airstrikes in Iraq that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, earlier in the week. This came on the heels of an Iran-led attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

Iran responded to Soleimani's death by launching a dozen ballistic missiles against two Iraqi military bases holding American troops. No Americans were harmed in the attack.

"As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime," Trump said in his Wednesday address to the nation. "These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior."

Trump expressed interest in making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer, more peaceful place.

"To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve," Trump said. "One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it."

Even so, on Thursday, anti-war protests were scheduled to pop up all across the country.

"When Trump acts with ignorance, fear, and ego, we will act with diplomacy and prioritize what is best for humanity," the No War With Iran! website says. "We are the majority. We stand united. And we oppose Trump's war with Iran."