Thousands Rally at US Embassy in London Over Iran

Thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday to demand an end to US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, gathering outside the American embassy in a large demonstration organized by several activist groups.

The march began near Westminster at Millbank and proceeded toward the US Embassy in Vauxhall. According to police estimates, between 5,000 and 6,000 people took part in the protest.

Activists from organizations including the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestinian Forum in Britain, and Friends of Al-Aqsa helped lead the rally.

Protesters Call for End to Military Action

Many demonstrators carried Iranian and Palestinian flags, while others held placards with slogans such as “Stop Trump’s Wars,” “Stop the War on Iran,” “Stop Arming Israel,” and “No War on Iran.”

Some protesters also carried portraits of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the first strike of the conflict last weekend.

Throughout the march, participants chanted slogans demanding an immediate end to the bombing and calling for peace in the region.

Zarah Sultana Addresses Crowd

Independent MP Zarah Sultana addressed the crowd outside the embassy, drawing parallels with the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

She reminded demonstrators that millions of people protested against the Iraq war at the time but were ignored by political leaders.

“We were told that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. We were told that war would bring peace and democracy,” Sultana said. “But the truth was very different.”

She added that protesters today must ensure their voices are heard to prevent what she described as another devastating conflict.

Message From Jeremy Corbyn

A statement from former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was unable to attend the demonstration, was read to the crowd.

Corbyn warned against Britain becoming involved in another war in the Middle East.

“In 2003, hundreds of thousands of us protested against the illegal invasion of Iraq, and we were ignored,” the statement said. “Today we are here to say clearly: do not drag Britain into another illegal war.”

He also criticized the UK’s close alignment with US foreign policy and called for a different approach based on cooperation and respect for sovereignty.

Arrests During the Demonstration

The Metropolitan Police Service reported several arrests during the protest.

Police said a woman in her 60s was detained on suspicion of inciting racial hatred related to a placard she was carrying. Three additional arrests were later made, including one for possession of an offensive weapon and another related to racially aggravated public order offenses.

Authorities had earlier imposed conditions on the demonstration, requiring protesters to remain on a designated route and conclude the rally by 5 p.m.

Counter-Protest and Tensions

Small groups holding Israeli flags gathered along Millbank as the march passed by. Some verbal exchanges occurred between the two sides, with protesters shouting “shame on you” while counter-protesters responded with chants of their own.

Despite the tensions, the protest concluded without major incidents, according to police.

Participants Express Global Solidarity

Some attendees said they joined the march to express solidarity not only with Iran but also with other countries affected by international conflicts.

Daniela Costa, a Brazilian student living in London, said she attended to show support for people in Iran and Palestine.

“I feel we cannot continue living as if everything is normal,” she said, adding that she hopes the protest will signal to the UK government that many citizens oppose involvement in another war.

Another participant, Martin Perry from Northampton, said he believes the strikes violate international law and wanted to show the government that public support for military action is limited.

More Demonstrations Planned

Organizers of the rally also announced plans for another protest in central London on March 28, described as a march “against the far right.”

The demonstration is expected to bring together several activist groups advocating for peace and international cooperation.