LIVE: Anti-war protest in London
TL;DR
Thousands gathered in London to protest US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, demanding the UK government withhold support for what speakers framed as an illegal war and drawing explicit parallels to the failed 2003 Iraq invasion.
🪧 Opposition to Military Action 3 insights
Condemnation of US-Israel bombing campaign
Speakers cited over 1,300 deaths in Iran including 165 children killed in classrooms, framing the attacks as unprovoked, illegal, and risking catastrophic regional war.
UK complicity through military bases
Protesters criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for allowing US B-52 bombers to operate from RAF Fairford, arguing this constitutes offensive military support for Trump's war rather than defensive action.
Rejection of regime change narrative
Speakers warned that Trump and Netanyahu's stated goal of regime change risks requiring ground invasion and civil war in Iran, a country of 95 million people.
⏳ Historical Parallels & Diplomatic Betrayal 3 insights
Lessons from Iraq War unheeded
Multiple speakers referenced the 2003 Iraq War protests where millions marched and were ignored, noting that history proved protesters right while over one million Iraqis died.
Allegations of negotiating in bad faith by West
CND's Sophie Bolt claimed Iran had agreed to zero uranium enrichment and full IAEA verification before bombing began, calling it 'nuclear hypocrisy' that diplomatic engagement was met with attacks.
Pattern of Western intervention
Yasmin Adam argued that conflicts in Iraq, Gaza, and Iran represent 'the same chapters of one story' about power exercised without accountability.
🤝 Religious Freedom & Solidarity 3 insights
Al-Aqsa Mosque closure
Friends of Al-Aqsa representative Chil Georgia highlighted that Israel had closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque for eight consecutive days, cancelling Friday prayers and violating freedom of worship.
Palestine-Iran connection
Protesters chanted solidarity slogans linking the conflicts, emphasizing 'From Iran to Palestine, bombing children is a crime' and 'In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians.'
Jeremy Corbyn's statement from The Hague
The former Labour leader sent a message supporting the protest from Amsterdam, where he was attending meetings regarding accountability for Israel's actions in Gaza.
Bottom Line
The UK government must immediately withdraw permission for US military use of British bases and break military alliances with the Trump administration to avoid repeating the catastrophic mistakes of the Iraq War.
More from Reuters
View all
LIVE: Capitol Hill ceremony marks the dedication of time capsule
Congressional leaders gathered to dedicate a time capsule that will be sealed by the 119th Congress and opened in 2276 by the 244th Congress, containing artifacts from every state to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and convey current values to future generations.
What happens when the Federal Reserve goes quiet? | Econ World
New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Walsh is spearheading a "silent revolution" by eliminating forward guidance and shortening statements to reduce market dependency on Fed signaling, sparking debate over whether less communication enhances or undermines central bank effectiveness during normal economic times.
LIVE: Outgoing British PM Keir Starmer takes questions in parliament
Outgoing Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends his government's record on NHS investment, economic growth, and defense spending while facing sharp criticism from opposition leaders over his resignation and cabinet performance during his final parliamentary questioning session.
LIVE: US World Cup players speak from California base camp
US Men's National Team players highlight their tight-knit chemistry and competitive training culture as drivers of World Cup success, while discussing professional sacrifices, the importance of momentum, and the unique motivation of representing their home country on the West Coast.