Hundreds of Iranian-Americans came together in Los Angeles over the weekend to express their support for the recent attacks against Iran’s ruling regime following the US-Israeli airstrike that killed the supreme leader.
The demonstrators gathered near the federal building in Westwood, chanting for the restoration of democracy in authoritarian Tehran.
Many lauded former President Donald Trump and viewed the current situation as a pivotal moment for the Iranian people.
With flags waving and tales of exile shared, the protesters emphasized that this conflict is not a war but an opportunity to break free from the Islamic Republic’s control.
Mars, a native of Shiraz in Iran, expressed how many Iranians see Trump as a hero, likening him to Cyrus the Great, who liberated the Jews in history.
Several participants rejected the notion that the current actions amount to war and criticized Democratic politicians for opposing military involvement.
Nazanin Jalalian, an Iranian-born resident of Los Angeles, called on politicians like Kamala Harris to gain a better understanding of life under the regime before making comments against regime change.
Shahrokh, born in Tehran, expressed gratitude towards Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the disconnect between some politicians and the realities faced by Iranians.
Many of the protesters, who fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, emphasized the impact of the regime on their families and the need for change.
Amin, also born in Tehran, described the demonstrations as a beacon of hope for the future and stressed the importance of supporting actions against terrorism in Iran.
Benjamin Basre, a Jewish Iranian immigrant, recounted the oppressive environment in Iran and urged politicians to engage directly with the community to understand their perspectives.
Basre called for a shift in mindset from viewing the situation as a war to seeing it as a humanitarian mission, emphasizing the importance of leaders connecting with reality and engaging with the Iranian-American community.
