Iranian‑Americans are responding with a blend of optimism, anxiety, and concern after U.S. airstrikes hit nuclear sites in Iran—a complex reaction rooted in opposition to Tehran’s regime but caution about unintended consequences.
At a Glance
- Many oppose Iran’s government yet worry U.S. military involvement could harm civilians and destabilize the region
- Business owners and activists in Los Angeles voiced both relief and alarm over the strikes
- Some Iranian‑Americans fear a repeat of past U.S. military interventions in the Middle East
- Political groups are urging California lawmakers to block deeper U.S. involvement
- The diaspora remains divided between calls for regime change and caution over escalation
Voices Split Between Relief and Alarm
In Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Iranian‑American communities, reactions to the recent U.S. strikes are deeply mixed. MSN reported that Reza B., a local Persian market owner, said he was “very happy for … my country,” while also expressing sorrow for the damage inflicted.
Meanwhile, activist Roozbeh Farahanipour argued against military escalation: “This is not the right way … if the people can overthrow the regime, they can do that,” he told NPR.
Watch a report: Iranian‑Americans React to Trump’s Iran Strikes.
Political Mobilization in Diaspora Communities
The strikes have spurred political action across California. The Iranian‑American Democrats of California are lobbying Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Adam Schiff to back the No War Against Iran Act, calling for Congress to block any further U.S. military escalation, according to NPR.
Researcher Adi Bahrami echoed a common concern: while many hope the regime falls, there is also deep anxiety over the chaos that could follow. “We’re hopeful, but also … worried about what’s going to happen afterwards,” they said.
A Community at a Crossroads
Iranian‑Americans find themselves in a tense dilemma: welcoming blows against Tehran’s rulers but fearing broader war and humanitarian disaster. These divided views reflect long-standing diaspora debates—balancing hopes for democratic reform against fears of repeating the devastation seen in other U.S. interventions.
As tensions rise, Iranian‑American voices may prove pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy discussions—forcing Washington to weigh whether military action serves liberation or risks spiraling into deeper conflict.
