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June 19, 2025 – On this day in 1790, French revolutionaries issued a decree abolishing the titles, orders and other privileges of the French nobility.

Stop the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran!

This is an urgent appeal for you to attend a protest tomorrow morning, Friday, June 20, against the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The protest will take place from 8-9 am at the intersection of Broad and Belvidere in downtown Richmond.

In response to the new Israeli ground operation in Gaza, the Defenders called for a protest for the morning of Friday, May 23. Other activists attending the protest decided to keep it going as a regular weekly event, which they have done. We have consulted with these activists, who have agreed to add opposition to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran to the demands for an end to the genocide in Gaza and an end to all money for Israel.

The claim by Israel and the Trump administration that Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon is a lie. Trump’s own intelligence agencies say it’s a lie. But the truth doesn’t matter. The U.S. ruling class wants to control the oil-rich Middle East, and Israel is its reliable pit bull, a virtual U.S. military base in the region able to carry out attacks while the U.S. government denies any responsibility – even though every bomb, every bullet, every weapon of war is bought and paid for with our tax dollars.

And now Trump is threatening to directly enter the war, even raising the possibility of assassinating Iran’s leaders.

There is absolutely no justification for this unprovoked war of aggression. Even if Iran were trying to develop a bomb, what would give Israel the right to attack? Israel has some 200 nuclear weapons and has proven itself to be a pariah state by its genocidal war on the people of Gaza.

The Defenders know something about Iran. In 2007 we organized a U.S. peace delegation that drove 1,200 miles through the country, visiting cities, towns, villages, desert communities and religious centers. Everywhere we went we were met with friendship and fervent wishes for peace between our countries. One result of that trip was our book “In Defense of Iran: Notes from a U.S. Peace Delegation’s Journey through the Islamic Republic.” It’s been out of print, but we’ve just ordered 100 copies. We urge you to read it, look behind the war propaganda now spewing from Washington and make up your own minds about who our real enemies are.

We hope to see you tomorrow morning at the protest!