How Los Angeles's Iranian diaspora is reacting to the war in Iran

"Los Angeles, United States It was another blue-sky day in southern California, but on the streets of Los Angeles, a stark divide was playing out. On the city's Westside, protests had erupted to support the United States in its strikes against Iran. Flags of Iran's former monarchy fluttered in the breeze, as demonstrators called for regime change. But only miles away, a different group had gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall to protest the war, chanting, Hands off Iran."

"Sometimes referred to as "Tehrangeles", the city and its metropolitan area are home to the largest concentration of Iranians outside of Iran. An estimated 375,000 people of Iranian origin live in California, the majority in Los Angeles County. The Westside is seen as a community hub, with its central artery, Westwood Boulevard, lined with Iranian businesses, restaurants, and cultural establishments."

"For some, the bombing campaign has sparked hope that the Iranian government might fall. Others view the war as a disaster that will cause immense suffering to Iranians, who already struggle under government repression and US sanctions. Across "Tehrangeles", however, one feeling seems nearly universal: anxiety."

Los Angeles hosts the world's largest Iranian diaspora community, with approximately 375,000 people of Iranian origin in California, primarily concentrated in Los Angeles County. The Westside neighborhood, known as "Tehrangeles," serves as a cultural hub with Iranian businesses, restaurants, and institutions. However, the community is sharply divided regarding U.S. military actions against Iran. Some protesters support American strikes and advocate for regime change, displaying flags of Iran's former monarchy. Conversely, other community members oppose military intervention, warning of potential devastation to the Middle East region and expressing concern about the suffering of Iranian civilians already facing government repression and international sanctions. Despite differing political positions, anxiety appears to be a nearly universal sentiment throughout the diaspora community.

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