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WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES () — For Iranian Americans in Southern California, many are balancing joy with worry following the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Crowds gathered in the streets of Westwood over the weekend to celebrate and call for freedom for the Iranian people in the wake of the attacks that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for decades while violently crushing dissent.
“The decision-maker and the big shot is gone,” Mohammad Ghafarian told Eyewitness News. Ghafarian has three brothers, two sisters and many other relatives still living in Iran.
Like many Iranian Americans, Ghafarian said he has no way to check on family members following the military strikes.
Southern California is home to the largest population of Iranians outside Iran, giving Los Angeles its nickname Tehrangeles.
Many said they have spent decades hoping for an end to the current regime but remain uncertain about what could replace it – and whether it will move the country closer to democracy.
“I think the goal of everyone is to see a free Iran, a productive country within the community of nations,” said Lily, an Iranian American who hasn’t been able to communicate with family in Iran.
Sorosh Sohangir, who left Tehran 17 years ago, said watching the bombings of his former home is painful. He’s relieved that the leadership is gone but worried about what may follow.
“I worry about my people in Iran, and also I’m happy the leadership is not there anymore, but there’s still a lot of other military over there,” he said.
Sohangir hopes to return one day but fears the destruction could resemble war-torn Gaza.
“I would love to do that, go back there and rebuild Iran,” he said. “But I just have to make sure there is something I can rebuild.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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