Hundreds gathered at Shia Jama Masjid in Delhi to protest Israel’s attacks on Iran, holding pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and placards reading ‘We Stand with Iran’
NEW DELHI — A large and peaceful protest erupted at Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate, where hundreds gathered outside the Shia Jama Masjid after Friday prayers to express their strong support for Iran and condemn Israel’s recent military attacks. Led by Maulana Mohsen Takrir, the Imam of the Shia Jama Masjid, the demonstrators raised pictures of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and held placards declaring, ‘We Stand with Iran’.
The protest was a powerful expression of solidarity by Indian Muslims with the people of Iran following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian targets. Maulana Mohsen Takrir addressed the crowd, stating, ‘These attacks are not just against Iran but against all Muslims. We stand united against injustice and aggression.’
The gathering took place amid the ongoing and escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which entered its second week after Israel launched an attack last Friday. Israel claims its strikes are aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is peaceful. In response, Iran fired missile and drone strikes into Israeli territory, including the southern city of Beersheba, where reports say a street was set ablaze.
The protesters at Kashmiri Gate condemned the Israeli attacks as acts of terrorism and aggression. Many carried banners and shouted slogans against Israel and the United States, accusing them of destabilising peace in the region. One participant, Ahmed Khan, said, ‘The United States and Israel have shown no respect for Muslim lives. We cannot remain silent while innocent people suffer.’
European officials are reportedly attempting to bring Tehran back to negotiations as tensions soar, while the US remains cautious about direct involvement. US President Donald Trump has stated that any decision about American participation would be made soon, but no clear action has been taken.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have publicly condemned Israel’s attacks and called for a reduction in hostilities. This international support reflects the wider global concern over the conflict’s potential to escalate further.
The peaceful demonstration in Delhi symbolised the unity and resolve of Indian Muslims who have been watching the conflict closely. “Our faith teaches us to stand against oppression,” said Maulana Takrir. “Today, we send a clear message that the Muslim world and its supporters will not tolerate the killing and threats against Ayatollah Khamenei and the people of Iran.”
The protest also brought attention to the broader issue of the plight of Muslims worldwide, urging the Indian government and international community to take a stand against aggression and protect Muslim nations from unwarranted attacks.
Local police reported that the protest remained peaceful, with no incidents of violence or disruption. Security was tight around the area due to the sensitive nature of the conflict and the protest’s scale.
This demonstration follows a series of protests globally, where people from various countries have voiced their opposition to Israel’s actions and support for Iran’s right to defend itself.
The recent destruction in the Israeli city of Beersheba, including damage near the Microsoft Office Tech Park in the Gayam Negev Advanced Technologies Park, has been widely reported, underscoring the conflict’s growing intensity.
As the Iran-Israel conflict continues to unfold, the voices from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate protest serve as a reminder of the widespread concern among Indian Muslims and the wider Muslim community about peace and justice in the region.
