Mixed Protests and Celebrations in LA Over U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran. Iranian Ex-Pats Cheer US military actions, While Others Suspect Trump's Motivations

Tensions reached a fever pitch in Los Angeles following the joint U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran over the February 28–March 1, 2026 weekend, which resulted in the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In Westwood-home to one of the largest Iranian American communities in the world, often called "Tehrangeles"-thousands of Iranian Americans converged near the Wilshire Federal Building (at 11000 Wilshire Blvd.) on March 1 and 2.

The gatherings turned into jubilant celebrations of what many viewed as a potential turning point toward regime change and a freer Iran. Demonstrators waved the pre-revolution Iranian flag (green, white, and red with the lion and sun emblem), alongside American flags, and held signs expressing gratitude to President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The atmosphere was electric, with chants for "free Iran," music playing, honking cars, and even dancing in the streets as participants expressed long-held hopes for the end of the Islamic Republic's rule.

The rallies drew massive crowds, with estimates from local media ranging from hundreds on Saturday to thousands by Sunday afternoon, leading to temporary road closures around Veteran Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, detours for Metro buses, and shutdowns of nearby 405 freeway off-ramps. Pro-monarchist groups were prominent, featuring portraits of Reza Pahlavi (son of the last Shah) and slogans like "Make Iran Great Again" or "Thank You Bibi & Trump." Emotional scenes included tearful embraces, cheers, and speakers railing against decades of oppression under Khamenei. For many in the diaspora-many of whom fled after the 1979 revolution-this moment felt like the culmination of nearly half a century of waiting, with participants sharing stories of lost family members and crushed protests in Iran.

In stark contrast, anti-war demonstrations unfolded downtown at City Hall and other locations from March 1–3, where hundreds gathered to condemn the strikes as unauthorized aggression and illegal acts of war.

Protesters, organized by various coalitions, chanted for a national strike, criticized U.S. involvement in forced regime change, and expressed alarm over reported civilian casualties, including at a girls' school.

LA Mayor Karen Bass and local officials stressed heightened security and monitoring for threats, though no credible local dangers were identified. These dueling responses-joyful celebration in Westwood and vocal opposition downtown-captured the profound divisions within Los Angeles over the escalating conflict, as international events reverberated through Westside neighborhoods and beyond into early March.

CAPTIONS

Celebrations at the Federal Building in Westwood after the death of Khomeini on February 28th.

These photos capture the scale of the crowds, the waving of pre-revolution flags, signs of support for U.S. and Israeli leaders, and the emotional intensity of the rallies. The events highlight how global geopolitical shifts continue to deeply affect local communities in Los Angeles amid ongoing vigilance and rising concerns.