On Saturday, a large gathering of Iranian-Americans in Los Angeles took to the streets to express their joy over the US-Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
“I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to dance. I want to laugh — but above all, I just want to celebrate,” exclaimed Shervin Khorramian, a 55-year-old Los Angeles resident. He was waving an Iranian flag amidst the lively crowd assembled at the Wilshire Federal building in Westwood.
“I feel absolutely elated, and I feel hopeful,” Khorramian shared. “For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful that this really could be the turning point for Iran.”
The demonstrators danced to Persian tunes and displayed signs that read “Reza Pahlavi, Make Iran Great Again,” referring to the exiled crown prince and son of Iran’s last shah.
Participants paraded outside the federal building, waving American, Iranian, and Israeli flags while holding posters expressing gratitude to President Trump.
Arash Behtahj, who has family still in Iran, expressed optimism, stating he can “finally” envision freedom coming to Iran after 47 long years.
âWe need to celebrate together,â he said.
Shekoofeh, who declined to give her last name out of fear for her family still in Iran, said it all felt like a dream.
âI canât believe it,â she said, noting she has been protesting in the US against the regime since 2006.
âWeâre here for freedom, for Iran. Thank you, Mr. Trump â Mr. President â and Mr. Bibi Netanyahu.â
