Iranian Americans in Los Angeles Grapple with Conflict in Iran After U.S. airstrikes

Los Angeles – In the wake of recent United States airstrikes targeting nuclear sites in Iran, the Iranian American community in Los Angeles, the largest such diaspora outside Iran, is experiencing a complex mix of emotions. Torn between their past and present, many are grappling with concerns for family still in Iran and the potential ramifications of escalating tensions.

A Community in Conflict

roozbeh Farahanipour, owner of Delphi Greek Restaurant in Westwood, voiced his anguish over the escalating conflict. His concerns mirror those of many Iranian americans who fled their homeland decades ago. “Anger and hate for the Iranian regime – I have it, but I try to manage it,” Farahanipour saeid, highlighting the difficult balance many feel. He worries about the potential for another Iraq or Afghanistan scenario, fearing Iran coudl be split apart.

The recent U.S. strikes followed an earlier surprise attack by Israel, further intensifying the already strained relations. The situation has left many Iranian Americans in Los Angeles deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of their loved ones back in Iran.

“Tehrangeles” Reacts

Westwood, often called “Tehrangeles” due to its high concentration of Iranian immigrants who arrived after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, saw a muted reaction to the news on Sunday. According to the Iranian Data Dashboard hosted by the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, approximately 141,000 Iranian Americans call Los Angeles County home. While some businesses displayed the pre-revolution Iranian flag, many individuals were hesitant to speak publicly about the situation.

Kevan Harris, an Iranian American and UCLA sociology professor, noted that any U.S. military involvement in Iran is a sensitive topic, having been discussed and debated for decades. He explains,”This scenario…is something that has been in the inventiveness: the United States is going to bomb Iran. For 20 years, this is something that has been regularly discussed.”

personal Stories of Concern

Many Iranian americans find themselves in a difficult position, balancing their resentment towards the current Iranian government with worry for family members. mary, a Chicago resident visiting Los Angeles, shared that she speaks daily with her family in Tehran, who have recently relocated within Iran due to the attacks.

She expressed a mix of hope and worry, stating, “It’s a very confusing feeling. Some people, they are happy because they don’t like the government-they hate the government.” mary’s own travel plans to Iran have been disrupted by the conflict, leaving her uncertain about the future.

Voices from Beverly Hills

in nearby Beverly Hills, home to a notable Iranian Jewish community, Shahram Javidnia voiced his opposition to the Iranian government. Having arrived in the U.S. in 1978, he closely monitors news from Iran and hopes that the current situation might prompt change within the country. Javidnia stated, “Now that they’re in a weak point, that’s the time maybe for the Iranians to rise up and try to do what is right.”

Did You Know? The term “Tehrangeles” was coined in the 1980s to describe the large Iranian community that settled in Los Angeles,especially in Westwood,after the Iranian Revolution.

The Iranian Diaspora: A Statistical Snapshot

The Iranian diaspora is spread across the globe, with significant populations in North America, Europe, and Australia. Here’s a comparison of the Iranian-born population in select countries, based on the latest available data: