Hundreds of members of the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles took to the streets on Saturday to rejoice in the aftermath of the US-Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
“I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to dance. I want to laugh – but most of all, I just want to celebrate,” said Shervin Khorramian, a 55-year-old LA resident, waving an Iranian flag amidst the jubilant crowd outside the Wilshire Federal building in Westwood.
“I feel absolutely elated, and I feel hopeful,” Khorramian expressed. “For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful that this could truly be the turning point for Iran.”
The joint military operation that took place in Iran on Saturday morning resulted in the demise of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking officials within his compound, as confirmed by Israeli authorities.
The demonstrators, waving American, Iranian, and Israeli flags, marched outside the federal building in LA, expressing their gratitude towards President Trump through posters.
Shekoofeh, who chose not to disclose her last name due to concerns for her family in Iran, shared her disbelief at the unfolding events. “I can’t believe it,” she remarked, revealing her years of protest against the Iranian regime in the US.
“We’re here for freedom, for Iran. Thank you, Mr. Trump – Mr. President – and Mr. Bibi Netanyahu,” the crowd chanted, echoing their hopes for a brighter future in Iran.
Arash Behtahj expressed his optimism for the country’s liberation after a prolonged period. “We need to celebrate together,” he emphasized, while Khorramian wished for a similar fate for Khamenei as that of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“I had hoped for his demise, even if it meant shortening his life by a day,” Khorramian disclosed. “I wanted justice to prevail, just like with Maduro. But his death is satisfactory,” he concluded.
