Hundreds of members of the Iranian community in Los Angeles gathered outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Westwood to celebrate following reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike campaign.
Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian community in the U.S. and often referred to as “Tehrangeles,” saw crowds waving American, Iranian, and Israeli flags, chanting slogans in support of political change in Tehran.
Shervin Khorramian, 55, holding an Iranian national flag amidst the crowd, said he felt “full of hope” and viewed this as a turning point that could change Iran's future after decades under the current regime.
Some participants expressed gratitude toward President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many banners featured images of former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi along with messages calling for unity and political transition.
Shekoofeh, who declined to give her last name because her family is still in Iran, said she has participated in protests against the Iranian government since 2006 and considered this a historic moment.
Arash Behtahj, who also has relatives in Iran, said he saw the possibility of real change for the first time in 47 years.
According to Israeli officials, the Saturday morning attack killed Khamenei along with several high-ranking leaders. President Trump later posted on Truth Social that this was the “greatest opportunity” for the Iranian people to take back their country.
The developments in Los Angeles reflect the deep divide within the overseas Iranian community regarding the political future of their homeland amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
