Scots Iranians Rally at US Consulate in Edinburgh to Show Gratitude for Strikes
Dozens of members from Scotland's Iranian community gathered outside the United States consulate in Edinburgh on Thursday, expressing profound gratitude for the recent American and Israeli airstrikes targeting the regime in Iran. The demonstrators waved US, Israeli, and Iranian monarchy flags while chanting thanks to former President Donald Trump and playing celebratory music throughout the event.
Celebrating Military Action and Regime Change Hopes
The rally participants openly welcomed the ongoing military campaign, referred to by the US as Operation Epic Fury, and celebrated the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strike of the conflict last Saturday. Many attendees expressed heartfelt hope that this campaign would ultimately result in the complete downfall of a regime they have long opposed, potentially allowing them to return to a freer homeland in the future.
At the gathering, those present also held pictures honouring the American troops who have tragically lost their lives during the conflict. The atmosphere was one of cautious optimism mixed with solemn remembrance for the sacrifices made.
Personal Stories of Oppression and Hope
One notable attendee was Tooran Hejazi, a 43-year-old Glasgow resident who fled Iran approximately a decade ago after converting to Christianity—an act strictly forbidden under the regime's religious laws. She shared her emotional perspective with reporters, stating, "I lived in Iran for 35 years, but we've never tasted freedom as much as we do now. We just hope this war is finished one day and we get rid of the regime soon."
Hejazi expressed her desire to see the "cruel regime" brought down in time for Naw Ruz, the Persian new year celebration on March 21st. Reflecting on the death of the Ayatollah, she added, "I never thought I would see this with my own eyes. I was happy on one hand and I was so sad. Because I wanted him to be there and go to court and answer all the questions. Then we could see his suffering when Iran is free and we are happy."
Organizational Leadership and Broader Aspirations
Abbas Lessani, chairman of the Iranian Scottish Association, helped organize the rally and spoke passionately about the community's motivations. The Glasgow-based leader told the Press Association, "Donald Trump promised he was going to help the people of Iran. That's why we're here—saying thank you Donald Trump, thank you Bibi (Benjamin) Netanyahu, you've been a friend."
Lessani expressed optimism about the conflict's duration, suggesting, "We hope it (the war) will be finished in a week or two. And 80, 90 million people in Iran are ready to uprise." He continued with a broader vision, stating, "When Iran is free, the whole region is going to be peaceful and quiet. No more terrorism because Iranians believe in love and peace."
Gratitude Amidst Conflict Realities
Another participant, Alireza Shamshadmehr, aged 40, traveled from Glasgow specifically to attend the rally. He explained, "We are trying to show our gratitude to the USA government, to the Israeli government." Shamshadmehr acknowledged the complex nature of warfare while emphasizing its perceived necessity, adding, "Nobody wants war—but when it becomes needed to push out a tyrannical, brutal regime, we need to bear with it."
The demonstration outside the US consulate in Edinburgh served as a poignant reminder of the global diaspora's deep connections to their homeland's political struggles, with Scottish Iranians using their newfound freedom of expression to support military actions they believe will ultimately liberate their compatriots back home.
