Protests Sweep London and Europe Against US-Israeli Strikes on Iran

London, March 2026 : Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of London, joining a widening wave of protests across Europe against recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The protests reflect growing public concern over the escalating conflict and its potential global consequences.

In the British capital, large crowds marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, carrying placards and chanting slogans condemning the attacks. The demonstration brought central London to a standstill as protesters voiced their opposition to foreign military intervention in the Middle East.

At a rally held later, demonstrators called for an immediate ceasefire and urged global powers to halt further escalation. Many participants expressed frustration over the human cost of the conflict. Mariam, a protester holding a placard reading “STOP THE WAR ON IRAN,” criticised the US description of the operation as “Epic Fury,” calling it instead an “Epic Failure.” She stressed that military force cannot bring peace or democracy and urged respect for human life and sovereignty.

Another protester, Adrian, who had travelled from Birmingham, described the strikes as “outrageous” and warned that their impact was already being felt worldwide. He pointed to rising oil prices and increasing global insecurity as immediate consequences of the conflict.

The protests in London were part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Europe. In Madrid, around 4,000 people gathered, marching from Atocha to Puerta del Sol. Protesters carried banners reading “No to war, no to NATO” and “Spain is not the US,” reflecting strong opposition to Western military involvement. Leaders from Podemos, including Ione Belarra and Irene Montero, joined the rally, with calls for Spain to reconsider its NATO membership.

In Lisbon, several hundred people gathered near the US embassy despite rainy weather, in a protest organised by the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation. Supported by over 70 groups, demonstrators denounced what they described as US and Israeli aggression, chanting slogans in favour of peace and disarmament.

Similarly, in Sofia, hundreds marched with signs opposing military action against Iran and calling for the withdrawal of US military aircraft from Bulgarian territory. Protests were also reported in countries such as France and Greece, indicating widespread unease as the conflict entered its third week.

Amid the growing public backlash, criticism has also emerged from European analysts. Rob de Wijk of Leiden University described the US actions as “outright blackmail” and warned of potential risks to European security. He argued that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States and strengthen its strategic autonomy.

As tensions continue to rise, the scale and spread of protests across Europe underscore increasing public pressure on governments to pursue diplomatic solutions and prevent further escalation of the crisis.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)