Washington, Janaury 27 (RHC)-- A U.S. peace advocacy group has collected more than 10,000 signatures for an open letter apologizing to the Iranian nation for Washington's aggression, particularly President Donald Trump’s “reckless” decision to order the assassination of senior Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.

"As Americans committed to peace and the safety of all people, we, the undersigned, apologize for the actions of our reckless, hate-filled president," the letter by CODEPINK reads.  The activists further to “do everything we can to stop Trump's aggression, remove the crippling sanctions you are suffering under, and resume a process of diplomacy with your country."

“The American people do not want a war with Iran.  We want to live in peace and harmony. Please accept our hand in friendship. May the peacemakers prevail over those who sow hatred and discord.”   The peace advocacy group is sending the letter, both in English and Farsi, and a video version to the Iranian press.

The Farsi version of the apology letter has been read out by Jewish American graduate student Lindsay Saligman, who traveled to Iran in March 2019.  She has since worked to promote greater understandings between Iranians and Americans.

Over the weekend, a coalition of anti-war activists organized protest rallies across the US and the world to slam the Trump administration for “a dangerous escalation of the conflict.”  In a tweet about the demonstrations, CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin warned that war was still a very real possibility. "Think we avoided war with Iran a few weeks ago?" said Benjamin. "Think again.  We are still on the brink."