Arabic version: الشتات الإيراني في لوس أنجلوس منقسم حول الحرب الأمريكية على إيران

Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest Iranian diaspora, is witnessing a significant divide in opinions regarding the ongoing war against Iran. According to Al Jazeera, protests erupted on February 28, with one group supporting U.S. strikes against Iran and another group denouncing the military intervention.

The Westside of Los Angeles became a focal point for these dueling protests, where demonstrators waved flags representing Iran’s former monarchy and called for regime change. Meanwhile, just miles away, others gathered outside City Hall, chanting “Hands off Iran,” expressing their fears that U.S. and Israeli actions could lead to further devastation in the Middle East.

This schism reflects the complex emotions within the Iranian community in Los Angeles, often referred to as “Tehrangeles.” Many members of this community, estimated at around 375,000, have personal histories shaped by conflict and migration from Iran, leading to varied perspectives on the current war.

Sam Golzari, a local artist whose family fled Iran during the Iran-Iraq War, voiced his conflicting feelings about the government’s fall and the accompanying military actions. He noted that while some in his community celebrated the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he struggled with the idea of finding relief in someone’s death, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by many.

Concerns for family members in Iran have intensified as the war progresses, compounded by an internet blackout that restricts communication. Reza Arzanian, an Iranian American, expressed his fears for his parents’ safety amid reports of bombings, indicating a deep anxiety that resonates throughout the diaspora.

The war has reignited discussions about U.S. involvement in Iran, with many residents recalling historical events that have shaped their perceptions. Aida Ashouri, a human rights lawyer, criticized the U.S. campaign as an imperialist war, emphasizing the need for clarity in understanding the motivations behind such military actions. The ongoing conflict continues to provoke strong reactions and fears among the Iranian community in Los Angeles, as they navigate their identities and histories in the context of this war.