A free Iran is their shared dream. But the diaspora remains torn on the best path forward.
A free Iran is their shared dream. But the diaspora remains torn on the best path forward
Los Angeles has become a microcosm of ideological divergence within the Iranian diaspora. Last Saturday, a spirited protest unfolded near City Hall, with hundreds of Iranian Americans rallying against the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that sparked a war in their homeland. They shouted “Stop the war in Iran” and “We, the people, reject conflict.” Just across town, in Tehrangeles, a vibrant neighborhood, the same community celebrated the demise of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, as a potential turning point for regime change. Carrying flags of the U.S., Israel, and Iran, participants danced and cheered, signaling a split in perspectives on how to achieve a liberated Iran.
A fracture in unity
The division among Iranian expatriates reflects deeper tensions as violence intensifies across the Middle East. For those who fled theocratic rule following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the conflict has stirred conflicting emotions. Abbas Milani, a Stanford University expert, noted that some view the war as a necessary means to dismantle the regime, even at the cost of countrywide destruction. Others, however, advocate for a peaceful transition, fearing that war could perpetuate chaos.
“Some people are so aggrieved at this regime that they say, ‘At any cost, come and destroy this regime even if it means destroying parts of the country,’” Milani remarked. “Others want to get rid of the regime but not at the expense of war.”
This schism contrasts with earlier this year, when the diaspora united in support of Iranians opposing the government’s harsh tactics. Now, the debate has shifted online, with labels like “Zionists” increasingly used to target those endorsing military action, particularly after Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October 2023. Anti-war advocates, meanwhile, face accusations of aligning with the regime.
Leadership in question
Discussions about Iran’s future leadership have intensified. While Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah, garners support from some, others remain cautious about a return to monarchy-linked power. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stands poised to consolidate its influence, should it survive the current upheaval.
The government’s internet blackout has further complicated communication, isolating families and amplifying uncertainty. As the death toll climbs, the Persian New Year—symbolizing renewal and spring—is approaching, adding a layer of bittersweet anticipation. Rumors swirl about Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, possibly assuming the role of supreme leader.
American perspectives
President Donald Trump’s remarks have drawn attention, as he suggested removing Iran’s leadership structure entirely. His vision contrasts with the broader American sentiment, revealed in a recent NBC News poll showing 54% of potential voters disapprove of his military approach. This mirrors the internal split within the Iranian diaspora, where 53% opposed U.S. military action against Iran in a previous survey by the National Iranian American Council and YouGov.
Ara Torosian, a Los Angeles pastor and Iranian immigrant, expressed anguish over the destruction of historic sites and the loss of innocent lives. Yet he views the current suffering as a necessary contrast to decades of repression faced by dissenters. “This is not just about war,” he said, “but about ending a cycle of tyranny.”