A free Iran is their shared dream. But the diaspora remains torn on the best path forward.
A Free Iran is Their Shared Dream. But the Diaspora Remains Torn on the Best Path Forward
Los Angeles witnessed contrasting demonstrations last Saturday, highlighting the divided stance within the Iranian diaspora. Hundreds gathered near City Hall to oppose the initiation of an unsanctioned war, their voices echoing demands like “Stop the war in Iran” and “We the people don’t want war.” Simultaneously, on the Westside, in Tehrangeles, a community known for its Iranian roots, the same group celebrated what they viewed as a potential turning point in their homeland’s history. Flags of America, Israel, and Iran flew alongside vibrant music and jubilant chants, as news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in U.S.-Israeli strikes sparked optimism about regime change.
The Shift in Unity
Earlier this year, the Iranian diaspora appeared united in backing domestic protests against the government’s harsh tactics. Now, however, the same community is grappling with deep ideological splits. Abbas Milani, a Stanford University expert on Iranian studies, noted the tension: “Some are so resentful of the regime that they’re willing to risk countrywide devastation to see it fall,” he said. Others, though, advocate for removing the regime without plunging the nation into conflict.
“We are not a monolith,” wrote the Iranian Diaspora Collective, an Instagram account with over 81,000 followers. “Millions of people will never share the same ideology or identity, and that plurality is the strength of any free society.”
As violence intensifies in the Middle East, these divisions mirror broader anxieties. The Iranian diaspora’s internal conflict is compounded by a government-imposed internet blackout, which has severed communication for many, and the growing uncertainty around leadership. Nowruz, the Persian New Year symbolizing renewal, now looms with mixed expectations. Rumors suggest Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, may assume the role of supreme leader, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seeks to consolidate its influence.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has signaled his desire to dismantle Iran’s leadership entirely, hinting at names for a “good leader.” His approach, however, faces scrutiny. A recent NBC News poll revealed that 54% of potential voters disapprove of his handling of the situation, echoing a similar split among Iranian Americans. Last year, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and YouGov found 53% of respondents opposed U.S. military action, with a new poll set to release updated figures next week.
Religious and political tensions persist as well. Some advocate for Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, as a leader, while others remain skeptical of his ties to the monarchy. Los Angeles-based pastor Ara Torosian, a Christian who fled Iran in 2010, expressed heartache over the destruction of cultural landmarks and civilian casualties, particularly children. Yet he framed the current strife as a necessary reckoning, comparing it to decades of repression faced by dissenters under the regime.
“This is not just a war against the government,” Torosian said. “It’s a battle for the soul of the nation.” The ongoing debates, both online and in person, underscore the diaspora’s struggle to reconcile their longing for freedom with the fear of escalating chaos.