Los Angeles Iranian Community Celebrates US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, waved flags and marched in celebration on Sunday following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The event, captured in photographs by Jill Connelly and Chris Torres, highlighted a significant shift in sentiment among the city's large Iranian expatriate community.
Alaleh Kamran, a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, exemplifies this change. A decade ago, she supported the Iran nuclear deal under the Obama administration, but now she fully backs the military strikes. "It's not an invasion, it's a liberation," she stated, emphasizing her 100% support. Kamran, who once clashed with conservative Iranian Jews opposed to the nuclear deal, now agrees that negotiation with what she calls an authoritarian government is impossible.
Shifting Opinions and Calls for Unity
The desire to see the Iranian regime collapse has intensified both in expat communities like Los Angeles and within Iran itself. Kamran and others report that opinion is moving towards supporting external intervention to end the Islamic Republic. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince, is being promoted as a potential stopgap leader, despite historical controversies surrounding his father's rule.
In mid-February, thousands gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest in favor of military intervention, displaying posters of Pahlavi and Donald Trump. A similar crowd celebrated in Westwood on Saturday, waving imperial flags and shouting "Javid Shah!" (Long live the king!). Melody Mohebi, an expert on Iranian civil society, noted that even those who do not traditionally support the monarchy are uniting under this banner for the sake of opposing the regime.
Community Divisions and Skepticism
However, the push for unity is not without its critics. The Iranian community in Los Angeles, often called Tehrangeles, is known for its divisions along political, religious, and generational lines. Shervin Malekzadeh, a political science professor, expressed skepticism about online discourse, describing it as toxic and driven by strident voices. He views reliance on figures like Trump, Netanyahu, and Pahlavi as a sign of desperation rather than hope.
Some organizations, such as the National Iranian American Council, have spoken out against military action, warning of potential civil war and authoritarian resurgence. Mohebi also raised concerns about groupthink online, fearing it could hinder democratic prospects if the regime is overthrown.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The celebrations in Los Angeles reflect a complex mix of hope, despair, and political realignment. While many Iranian expatriates see the strikes as a step towards liberation, others caution against the risks of regime change. As the community grapples with these issues, the debate continues to evolve, shaped by both online activism and real-world events.
