A rare wave of unified criticism has emerged from Hollywood after US President Donald Trump ordered coordinated daylight strikes on Iran alongside Israel, a move that has escalated into a wider regional conflict.

The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and triggered what analysts describe as one of the most dangerous crises in the Middle East in decades. Among the casualties were at least 150 children after an Israeli strike destroyed a primary girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran. Nearly 100 others were reported injured.

UNESCO expressed “deep alarm” over the bombing of an educational institution, calling it a serious violation of international humanitarian law and warning that attacks on schools endanger students and teachers while undermining the right to education.

As images of destroyed classrooms and civilian casualties spread across social media, several prominent American actors, musicians and authors directed sharp criticism at the White House.

Actor Carrie Coon, known for her role in The Gilded Age, took aim at what critics describe as the administration’s defence messaging, writing on X: “The ‘Department of War.’ They weren’t kidding about that.”

Actor John Cusack accused Trump of provoking conflict to distract from domestic controversies, suggesting the escalation served political interests and long-standing lobbying efforts tied to Israeli leadership.

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell reposted clips from Trump’s 2024 campaign speeches in which he pledged to avoid new wars, contrasting those remarks with the current military action. She accused the president of betraying his promises and called for impeachment.

Veteran actor and activist Jane Fonda compared the situation to the Vietnam War, warning that American troops could be drawn into prolonged conflict “for all the wrong reasons.” She argued the strikes risk violating both international law and US constitutional provisions governing war powers.

Actor Mark Ruffalo shared commentary referencing presidential adviser Jared Kushner, implying behind-the-scenes influence in the decision to escalate military action.

Musician Jack White criticized what he described as performative patriotism, mocking the president’s public image during the declaration of military action. Comedian Kathy Griffin also accused Trump of diverting attention from domestic political controversies by launching strikes abroad.

Author Stephen King invoked Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to declare war, and called for impeachment proceedings.

For many of these public figures, the criticism reflects not only opposition to Trump’s foreign policy but also frustration over what they see as broken campaign promises. During his election campaign, Trump repeatedly positioned himself as a candidate who would “stop wars,” not start them.

Whether the backlash from Hollywood will influence policy in Washington remains uncertain. However, in an era shaped by social media and celebrity activism, the reaction has amplified public debate and underscored the deep divisions surrounding the latest escalation in the Middle East.