Iranian American Reactions to U.S.-Israeli Military Strikes on Iran

The recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have elicited a spectrum of responses from the Iranian American community, particularly in Los Angeles, known colloquially as "Tehrangeles." While some celebrate the strikes as a potential liberation from an oppressive regime, others express deep concern over the implications of foreign military intervention.

The Guardian

In Los Angeles, many Iranian Americans reacted with joy to the news of Khamenei's death. Sam Yebri, a lawyer and member of the community, described the event as a moment long hoped for by Iranians, stating, “This is just a day that every Iranian has hoped and prayed for.” Similarly, Zahra Hormoz, a chemistry professor in Texas, reported that her siblings in Tehran were dancing in celebration, reflecting a widespread sentiment of relief and hope for change.

Washington Post

Alaleh Kamran, a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, expressed her support for the strikes, stating, “It’s not an invasion, it’s a liberation.” She noted a shift in her views, aligning with more conservative members of the Iranian Jewish community who previously opposed the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Kamran emphasized the urgency of ending what she described as a “cancer” in Iran, advocating for the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi as a potential leader for a post-regime Iran.

The Guardian

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Iranian American community is not monolithic. The political landscape is marked by divisions among conservatives, liberals, and various religious groups, leading to complex discussions about the future of Iran. Melody Mohebi, an expert on Iranian civil society, noted that even those who do not traditionally support monarchy are rallying around Pahlavi for the sake of unity against the current regime. However, she cautioned against the potential for groupthink, which could stifle alternative approaches to achieving democracy.

The Guardian

Contrasting with the celebratory responses, some Iranian Americans and elected officials voiced strong opposition to the military strikes. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attacks as “a catastrophic escalation in an illegal act of war of aggression,” emphasizing that Americans desire peace rather than further conflict. Brad Lander, a former city comptroller, criticized the strikes as a distraction from domestic issues, labeling the actions as part of a sociopathic agenda.

New York Times

While many in the Iranian American community express support for the strikes, there remains skepticism about the long-term consequences of such military interventions. Shervin Malekzadeh, a political science professor, highlighted concerns regarding the potential for a cycle of authoritarianism if the mindset of the current regime is not addressed. He noted that past U.S. interventions have not yielded positive outcomes, raising questions about the effectiveness of this approach.

The Guardian

• “This is just a day that every Iranian has hoped and prayed for,” — Sam Yebri, Lawyer

New York Times

• “It’s not an invasion, it’s a liberation,” — Alaleh Kamran, Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Guardian

• “Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

New York Times

• “This is an illegal war being waged by a sociopathic president whose goal is to distract people from his failing administration,” — Brad Lander, Former City Comptroller

New York Times

The reactions among Iranian Americans to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran illustrate a complex interplay of hope, fear, and division, reflecting broader tensions within the community and the implications of foreign intervention in Iran's future.

The Guardian