Jane Fonda is once again stepping into the center of a war-time political storm — this time outside Los Angeles City Hall.
The longtime actress and activist spoke at a protest condemning President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, calling the operation “dangerous and insane” and labeling it an “unprovoked” war. Her remarks come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue Operation Epic Fury, a sweeping strike campaign targeting Iranian military leadership and infrastructure.
“Right now we are witnessing the horror of an unnecessary, unprovoked war of choice,” Fonda told the crowd. She accused the Trump administration of violating international law and the Constitution, referencing the War Powers Act in her criticism. “This dangerous and insane war against Iran… risks exploding into a vast war of mass proportion, taking the lives of many, including U.S. servicepeople.”
Jane Fonda protests AGAINST strikes targeting Iranian regime; despite the regime massacring 36,500 civilians.
“This is a desperate immoral act in the hopes that he can score victory and be declared ‘War President.’” pic.twitter.com/hBYnZH6Ac5
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 1, 2026
Fonda also repeated claims that civilian targets had been struck, including a girls’ school, and alleged that American lives were being put at risk. U.S. officials have said they are investigating reports of civilian casualties and maintain that operations are focused on military and regime targets.
The actress’s remarks quickly reignited debate about her long history of anti-war activism, including her controversial 1972 visit to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War — an episode that earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane” among critics and veterans who viewed the trip as sympathetic to America’s adversaries.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement criticizing the president’s handling of the conflict. While acknowledging that Iran’s leadership “must never have nuclear weapons,” Newsom argued that Trump’s military action was unjustified and legally questionable.
The corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons. The leadership of Iran must go. But that does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends…
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) February 28, 2026
“That does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members… without justification to the American people,” Newsom wrote. He further suggested the president’s actions were politically motivated.
“As this unfolds, California stands with the Iranian-American community in our state,” Newsom added, expressing solidarity with those who have family ties to Iran.
The political stakes are high. Newsom is widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2026, and his response places him squarely in opposition to the administration’s foreign policy at a pivotal moment.
