The Iranian American community in Los Angeles, the largest outside of Iran, is grappling with mixed emotions following a ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. Many express relief, while others feel disappointment and a strong desire to move away from discussions centered around war.
While Los Angeles holds the highest concentration of Iranian Americans in the country, opinions within the community often converge on one critical issue: the regime in Iran.
There is a general consensus that the prevailing regime should be overthrown, yet individuals within this community have varied perspectives on how change should occur and whether it is even feasible.
Older Iranian immigrants, particularly those who fled the Islamic Revolution of the late 1970s, tend to be more resigned to the power of the current government. Conversely, younger Iranian Americans exhibit more optimism regarding the possibility of change.
Complicating the dialogue further is the division of thought regarding the role of Israel and the U.S. in hostilities involving Iran. Some community members adopt a hawkish viewpoint, while many who maintain close ties to Iran express hesitance toward military actions that could target major Iranian cities, given that they may still have loved ones residing there.
Tensions among these perspectives deepen when considering the sizeable Persian Jewish population in Los Angeles, many of whom have familial ties to Israel. The situation becomes particularly fraught when observing the impact of military conflict on both their ancestral homeland and their relatives currently facing danger in Israel.
The widespread hope among Iranian Americans is for the deposing of Ayatollah Khamenei, yet there remains debate about the methods to achieve this and the potential outcomes if these efforts falter.
Disappointments arise amid shifting focuses away from immediate regime change. Individuals within the Iranian American diaspora express concern as military operations unfold, questioning the ultimate consequences of destruction and loss of life in Iran.
One community member sharing her thoughts on these issues is Tara Grammy, an actor and playwright with deep roots in Iran. Grammy left Tehran at the age of six and has been a vocal opponent of the regime for over a decade. Despite occasionally regretting her outspoken stance due to the impact on her ability to return to Iran for significant family events, Grammy has grown even more resolute in her commitment to see the regime changed following the recent ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump.
Uncertainties loom regarding what a regime change might entail. The fear of destabilization similar to what has occurred in Iraq and Syria weighs heavily on those with family still in Iran.
In contrast, those like Sam Yebri, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child with his family, feel less apprehensive about potential successor authority for the regime. Yebri, who has campaigned for local office in Los Angeles, emphasizes that very little could be worse than what the current regime inflicts upon its citizens, particularly women and religious minorities.
Yebri argues that the focus on implementing plans for a post-regime Iran is misguided, stating, “Nothing can be worse than what this regime is and what it has done.”
There are also voices within the community aiming to shift the overall narrative surrounding Iranian culture and identity. Shaheen Ferdowsi, who owns Meymuni Cafe, a Persian eatery in West Los Angeles, advocates for a greater recognition of Persian culture beyond the typical depictions associated with the Middle East. Ferdowsi laments the tendency to view Iran solely through the lens of conflict.
He believes that celebrating and sharing the richness of Persian culture can foster a more nuanced understanding in the broader Los Angeles community. Ferdowsi recalls how frequent visits to Iran were opportunities for connection with family and local traditions, making it all the more important for him to now represent this culture in positive and diverse ways.
In conclusion, the Iranian American community in Los Angeles reflects a complex web of emotions regarding the ongoing geopolitical situation. While there exists a shared desire for regime change, the pathways and implications of such a transformation are points of spirited debate in a community rich in diverse experiences and perspectives.
image source from：kcrw
