Philadelphia demonstrators protest war in Ukraine, support strikes on Iran

PHILADELPHIA – Dozens of demonstrators marched Sunday from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall, rallying both for U.S. strikes in Iran and for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Bobak Ghassempour of Lansdowne said he felt optimistic about the moment, saying he was “really excited. I know a lot of good things are going to happen.”

Marjam Vafa, a board member of Philly Iranians, said her organization is celebrating the death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We are very happy Khamenei finally is dead after 47 years,” she said.

Philly Iranians, a nonprofit that advocates for a free Iran, said it hopes the development leads to a new regime. “We want to be free. We want to have a normal life. We want to have democracy in our country with the help of the USA. Thank you,” Vafa said.

Others at the march expressed concern about the human toll of the conflict. Seth Fisher of Northern Liberties, who carried a sign reading “Trump Must Go,” said he supports the desire for regime change but questioned the approach.

“I understand they want their regime gone and I agree with them,” Fisher said. “I think it’s a good thing to want them gone, but at the same time, what the U.S. and Israel is doing, I don’t think it’s the right way to do it.”

Vafa acknowledged the loss of life, saying, “I know for Americans it’s hard because you don’t want loss of life, and I know today 3 soldiers, I believe American soldiers, were killed, and it’s so sad, but the thing is the regime needs to be stopped right now.”

Geopolitical strategist Taufiq Rahim described the situation in Iran as uncertain, calling it “the great unknown.”

“No one knows who is that next leadership in Iran,” Rahim said. “Can they actually control the territory? Are they able to make the compromises necessary for a deal? And if there is no new leadership, is there a scenario in which there is some type of revolutionary aspect on the ground? That would perhaps lead to chaos.”

Rahim said the continuation of attacks could have significant consequences, including economic effects in the United States. He said many people will be watching the stock market and oil prices as the week begins.