Thousands of Iranians poured into the streets of Tehran and other cities on Friday to protest against Israel amid the escalating conflict between the two nations. Demonstrators, many waving Iranian flags and holding up images of fallen military commanders, gathered in what state media called a nationwide display of “solidarity and resistance.”
“This is the Friday of the Iranian nation’s unity,” a state TV anchor declared, as live broadcasts showed massive crowds rallying in support of Iran’s military and denouncing Israeli aggression.
Similar protests erupted in Lebanon and Iraq in response to Israel’s ongoing military strikes on Iranian targets, which began over a week ago and have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
Hezbollah-Led Protests in Beirut
In Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, hundreds of Hezbollah supporters marched through the southern Dahieh suburb, a known Hezbollah stronghold, after Friday prayers at al-Qaeem Mosque. Protesters chanted “Death to Israel,” “Death to America,” and condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump, while waving flags of Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah.
“America is the great Satan!” shouted one protester, as a recorded speech from the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah—killed in an Israeli airstrike in September—blared from loudspeakers.
Israeli drones reportedly flew overhead during the rally, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Mass Demonstrations in Iraq
In Iraq, tens of thousands of people responded to a call from influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to protest Israeli attacks on Iran. Demonstrations broke out across Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, and other key Shiite cities, despite the blistering summer heat.
Clerics led chants against Israel, while many protesters demanded the Iraqi government deny Israel the use of Iraqi airspace for military operations.
“We don’t want our skies to be used for war,” one protester said. “Iraq must not be a launching pad for attacks on our neighbor.”
Trump Says U.S. Decision on War Coming in Two Weeks
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has maintained a close advisory role in American foreign policy, announced he would decide within two weeks whether the United States would join Israel in the conflict.
Speaking through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump said he was holding off on a final decision to allow space for possible negotiations with Iran.
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations… I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Trump said in a written statement.
Leavitt denied that the delay signaled indecision. “If there’s a chance for diplomacy, the president will pursue it. But he’s not afraid to act with strength if necessary,” she added.
She also warned that the urgency was real, claiming Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within “a couple of weeks” if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei gave the green light.
“Iran has everything it needs for a nuclear weapon — all that’s missing is the decision to proceed,” Leavitt stated.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
As protests rage across the region and the specter of wider war looms, global attention now turns to diplomatic efforts in the coming days — and whether the U.S. will escalate its involvement or seek a path to de-escalation.
