MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Demonstrators gathered in two different parts of downtown Madison on Saturday, offering sharply different reactions to U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Supporters assembled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Union, waving American, Israeli and pre-revolution Iranian flags. Just blocks away at the Capitol Square, protesters called for diplomacy and warned the action could escalate into a broader war.
Sean Molaie, who said he supports President Donald Trump's decision, described the moment as long overdue.
"Finally, someone hearing us, someone stepped forward and give them a chance for months, and they won't accept it. So suddenly, he made a history. He made an action, and he brings us a joy. This is the greatest moment for us, and I'm so pleased for that," Molaie said.
Molaie said he believes the strikes could ultimately lead to change in Iran.
"We are not happy with war. Nobody likes war. But if there's one option you have, that's the only option. So what would you do? This is a short action. This is a short war. And next, it will be a great and bright future for all world," he said.
Molaie acknowledged concerns about those still living in Iran.
"I'm a little bit worried about the people of Iran. The brutal regime killed already more than 40,000 people in the past month. And they're executing a lot of people right now in prison. I'm so much worried what's going to happen in the next move or what's going to be in their next move. But I'm positive, at the same time, I'm positive that Israel and the United States are so smart, and they know their actions. And we are backing them up, for sure," he said.
Another supporter, Moein Moradi, said the gathering was meant to show appreciation for U.S. involvement.
"We are here to show our appreciation and gratitude towards the US for taking that step to help protect innocent, unarmed people who are just trying to get to the basic human rights that they truly deserve," Moradi said.
Moradi said while he does not support war, he believes outside intervention is necessary.
"Obviously, nobody wants war, but when you have a regime that is not held accountable for all of the atrocities it's inflicted upon its own people... Then any help that you can get to kind of level the playing field, you would really appreciate it," he said.
He added that he hopes the developments will open the door to democratic change.
"I just hope this just gives the chance that Iranian people deserve to get to a democratic process, to get to that ballot box, to cast their votes and determine the future government ruling over our country," Moradi said.
Meanwhile, protesters at the Capitol Square said they fear the strikes could lead to a prolonged conflict.
Eli Morey, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said his group opposes further military involvement.
"The message is very clear. It's no war with Iran. People in the United States do not want another endless war in the Middle East. We're tired of our money going to these endless wars. We're tired of American citizens dying. We're tired of people in the Middle East dying," Morey said.
Morey questioned the justification for the strikes.
"The Trump administration has all kinds of false pretext for why this is happening. They say that it's about Iran's nuclear program, but they've been saying for 30 years that Iran is building nuclear weapons and they still haven't," he said.
He also cited concerns about civilian casualties.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared by the news because it's such a big and scary development. But really the biggest thing I felt was anger... I want this to stop now because I don't want to see any more innocent people die," Morey said.
Both groups said they plan to continue organizing in Madison in the coming days.