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: A City of Contrasting Voices

Two contrasting demonstrations emerged in Los Angeles last Saturday. Outside City Hall, Iranian Americans gathered to voice opposition to an unsanctioned war, chanting slogans like “Stop the war in Iran” and “We the people don’t want war.” Simultaneously, on the Westside — a neighborhood dubbed “Tehrangeles” — the same community celebrated what they viewed as a potential turning point for their homeland. With American, Israeli, and Iranian flags waving, they danced to upbeat music and rejoiced at news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s demise in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

The divide within the Iranian diaspora has deepened as violence intensifies in the Middle East. For those who fled theocratic rule after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the situation is complex. Some are so disillusioned with the regime that they argue, “At any cost, bring down this government, even if it means sacrificing parts of the country,” noted Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford University. Others advocate for regime change without resorting to war.

“The images of destruction and the joyous support for war have created more tension than we usually see in the diaspora,” Milani said. “It will get harder before it eases.”

Online Debates Intensify Amidst Rising Casualties

Online discussions have grown heated since the attack on Iran. Supporters of military action are increasingly labeled “Zionists,” a term that has gained negative connotations following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. Meanwhile, anti-war advocates face accusations of aligning with the regime.

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s future has also sparked debates over leadership. While some favor Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah, others remain cautious about restoring the monarchy’s influence. As the death toll climbs and the government imposes an internet blackout, families struggle to stay connected.

Nowruz and the Shadow of Khamenei’s Son

With Nowruz — the Persian New Year, symbolizing renewal and spring — approaching, speculation grows about who will lead Iran after Khamenei’s death. Rumors suggest his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, may take over. Analysts warn that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful force in the country, could consolidate its authority if the current conflict persists.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in removing Iran’s leadership structure, sharing potential names for a “good leader.” However, a recent NBC News poll shows 54% of potential voters disapprove of his approach to the situation, a trend echoing the split within the Iranian diaspora. Last year, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and YouGov found 53% of Iranian Americans opposed U.S. military action against their country.

Diversity in the Iranian American Community

Los Angeles-based pastor Ara Torosian, a Christian who relocated from Iran in 2010, described the current turmoil as a painful but necessary reckoning. He lamented the destruction of historic sites and the loss of innocent lives, especially children. Yet, he noted that the suffering today surpasses decades of repression faced by dissenters.

Torosian, who was jailed and beaten for possessing Christian items in Tehran, initially supported the strike that killed Khamenei. “This is not just about war; it’s about the legacy of a regime that silenced so many,” he said. The Iranian Diaspora Collective, an Instagram account with over 81,000 followers, emphasized the community’s diversity: “Millions will never share the same ideology or identity, and that plurality is the strength of any free society.”