The Los Angeles Iranian community was recently shaken by the profound consequences of Israel’s unprecedented military actions against Iran, which began on June 13, 2023, and escalated into a 12-day conflict that left over 1,060 Iranians dead, predominantly civilians, as reported by The Seattle Times.
As the airstrikes unfolded, fear and anxiety surged among those with familial ties to the affected areas. Niki O, an Iranian American residing in Los Angeles, expressed the emotional turmoil experienced throughout the duration of the conflict.
“Every night of the war I went to bed afraid of what escalation would take place in my sleep,” O recounted. “Every morning, I would wake up to a debilitating anxiety, fearful of checking my phone.”
In tandem with Israel’s devastating bombings, the United States joined the fray by targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. This military collaboration marked a new chapter in what was perceived by many as a continuous cycle of violence instigated by Israel with backing from the U.S.
The repercussions have revitalized fears of escalating international conflict, as concerns about a potential World War III loom larger. This dynamic, coupled with political rhetoric framing the bombings as a fight for “women’s freedom” in Iran, has drawn sharp criticism.
The complex history of Israeli-Iranian relations reveals long-standing animosities, particularly as Iran’s support for Palestinian resistance positions it as an adversary to Israeli interests. The Iranian community in LA has been vocal about the misleading portrayal of the conflict in mainstream media, which they argue has tended to demonize Iranians while presenting Israel in a victimized light.
Several Iranian Americans, including Pouneh Behin, highlighted the emotional toll of the recent attacks. Behin, who has family living in cities impacted by the bombings, shared, “Knowing that most of my family does live there, including Tehran and areas where the bombings took place, there was intense fear of carpet bombing happening.”
Many in the Iranian diaspora recognize a distinction between the majority of Iranians and a fringe pro-Zionist faction that has gained considerable media attention. Behin pointed out that the Iranian community in Los Angeles holds diverse views, where dissent against the Islamic Republic often does not equate to support for Israeli policies.
“Zionist Iranians are a minority voice within the Iranian community,” Behin stated. “Historically speaking, many leftist Iranians have worked alongside Palestinian freedom fighters.”
This sentiment resonates with broader critiques of media narratives that seek to simplify complex geopolitical tensions into a binary of good versus evil. O criticized Western mainstream media for perpetuating racist tropes and framing the conflict to align with imperialist interests.
“The media will always perpetuate racist orientalist tropes of Arabs, Iranians, and Muslims,” O asserted, emphasizing the skewed portrayal of the conflict.
The backdrop of this recent conflict is further complicated by Israel’s unregulated possession of nuclear weapons, a point of contention that draws scrutiny from critics who question why international outrage is directed at Iran for pursuing nuclear capabilities when Israel remains an unchecked nuclear power.
Eden, another Iranian American from Los Angeles, expressed frustration over the discourse surrounding Iranian nuclear ambitions, stating, “It is odd to see Iranians in the diaspora advocating for more violence, since ultimately, it is everyday people in Iran who bear the brunt and are left to deal with the aftermath.”
The ongoing hostility and military aggression have adverse effects on the Iranian populace, both domestically and in the diaspora. Western-imposed sanctions have severely impacted Iran’s economy, healthcare, and overall infrastructure.
The Iranian-American community, facing a tense political climate fueled by recent military actions, grapples with issues of identity and agency. Many individuals feel a strong responsibility to advocate for peace while raising awareness about the humanitarian crises resulting from continued military interventions and sanctions.
As discussions regarding the geopolitical landscape develop, the experiences and perspectives of those in the Iranian diaspora remain crucial in shaping a balanced narrative. Efforts to uplift local voices from Iran, emphasizing the need for change from within, echo sentiments expressed by community members dedicated to fostering understanding and connection among Iranians across various borders.
Ultimately, the community in Los Angeles stands at a crossroads, confronting the ramifications of military operations as they strive to assert their identity and advocate for the rights of Iranians globally while navigating a landscape marred by longstanding tensions and misconceptions.
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