More than one million Iranian Americans are closely monitoring nationwide protests in Iran, with Los Angeles — home to the largest diaspora community outside Iran — particularly anxious as communication outages disrupt contact with family. Rights groups report over 2,000 deaths and about 17,000 detentions amid the unrest. President Trump has publicly encouraged demonstrators and warned Tehran, while community leaders warn that foreign military involvement could escalate the crisis. Many protesters emphasize economic grievances and youth opportunities, and some expatriates say they would return to help rebuild if the regime changes.
Iranian Americans in L.A. React to Nationwide Protests as Trump Issues Warnings and Promises
Iranian Americans weigh in on protest, Trump’s latest threats
More than one million Americans of Iranian descent are closely following mass protests in Iran as President Donald Trump signals support for demonstrators and warns Tehran of possible consequences.
Community On Edge
Los Angeles — home to the largest Iranian diaspora outside Iran and a Westwood neighborhood nicknamed "Tehran-geles" — has become a focal point for families anxiously tracking events at home. Rights groups and activists report more than 2,000 protesters killed and roughly 17,000 detained across Iran during the unrest. Widespread communications outages inside Iran have made it difficult for many expatriates to learn the status of loved ones.
Voices From L.A.
One Iranian American in Los Angeles told NewsNation of the anguish many feel:
"Every day, just crying because I don't know if my family (is) alive or not. Please do something. Please help the people because they are alone."
Roozbeh Farahanipour, a leader in the 1999 Iranian student movement who now runs a restaurant in L.A., said the current protests have broader reach than earlier movements because demonstrations have spread to all provinces, not just Tehran. He argued that any change in Iran’s leadership should be driven by Iranians themselves rather than imposed externally. "If outside military involvement distracts people from their goals, it could do more harm than good," he said.
Another Iranian American, identified as Hadi, emphasized the protesters' priorities: "This feels different — it's not only about the hijab or religion. It's about the economy and young people's ability to pursue opportunities and build a future." Hadi and other exiles said they would consider returning to help rebuild if meaningful regime change occurs.
Trump's Messages
President Trump has publicly encouraged continued demonstrations and warned Tehran that the United States may respond. On Truth Social he wrote:
"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS."U.S. officials have also advised American citizens to leave Iran.
Community leaders in Los Angeles caution that while international pressure can matter, foreign military intervention risks escalating violence and undermining domestic momentum. For many Iranian Americans, the immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of family members and restoring reliable communications.
Reporting: This piece is based on interviews and statements shared with NewsNation. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Help us improve.
