Princeton rally planned to protest potential U.S. war with Iran

The Coalition for Peace Action will host a rally in downtown Princeton this weekend to protest the growing risk of a U.S. military conflict with Iran amid renewed national debate over presidential war powers and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The rally, scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, on Hinds Plaza next to the Princeton Public Library, is being co-sponsored by Indivisible Cranbury.

Organizers say the event is intended to mobilize public opposition to the possibility of military action and to call for congressional oversight before any escalation.

Confirmed speakers include Richard Moody, a former Navy fighter pilot who flew missions in Iran; the Rev. Robert Moore, executive director of the Coalition for Peace Action; Laura Zurfluh, a leader with Indivisible Cranbury; and Jeffrey Laurenti, chair of CFPA’s board.

The demonstration comes as foreign policy tensions involving Iran have again moved into the political spotlight, reviving longstanding debates over the limits of executive authority in authorizing military action without a formal declaration of war.

“We encourage all to Rally against Trump’s unconstitutional, illegal threat of imminent war against Iran,” the Rev. Robert Moore said in a statement announcing the event. “Without Congressional advice or consent, without a coherent reason, Trump is risking a major conflagration in the entire Middle East and beyond. Now is the time to let our leaders know we need them to stand up for the Constitution and its mandate that only Congress can declare war!”