'No War In Iran' Rally Slated For Shirley Thursday

SHIRLEY, NY — Protestors will gather in Shirley Thursday for a "No War With Iran!" demonstration.

According to the organizers' website, the event will take place Thursday at 5 p.m. at the lawn located at the northeast corner of William Floyd Parkway and Montauk Highway in Shirley.

"Enough is enough! How many more lives must be sacrificed for a lie? We will not stand for any more sacrifice of American blood & treasure for Donald Trump and his loyal minion Lee Zeldin," the site said.

"We will not be forced into another war. On Thursday, January 9, at 5 p.m. local time, the anti-war majority in this country will get visible to oppose Trump's war and say #NoWarWithIran," organizers, calling for a national day of action, said. "Trump's reckless action has needlessly endangered countless lives of U.S. troops, Iraqis, Iranians, and countless other civilians. 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 website added: "We've learned our lessons from Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and global endless war. We will not be driven by lies into another war. We will not allow our Iranian-American and Muslim neighbors to be targeted by law enforcement. We will not be divided. When Trump acts with ignorance, fear, and ego, we will act with diplomacy and prioritize what is best for humanity. We are the majority. We stand united. And we oppose Trump's war with Iran."

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, including Port Jefferson and Mineola.