Mixed Reactions in LA Over U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran

Iranian ex-pats celebrate potential regime change, while others protest unauthorized aggression

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 the Westwood neighborhood, home to one of the largest Iranian American communities, thousands of Iranian Americans converged to celebrate what they viewed as a potential turning point toward regime change and a freer Iran. Meanwhile, downtown, hundreds gathered to condemn the strikes as unauthorized aggression and illegal acts of war.

Why it matters

The dueling responses in Los Angeles - joyful celebration in Westwood and vocal opposition downtown - captured the profound divisions within the city over the escalating conflict, as international events reverberated through local communities amid ongoing vigilance and rising concerns.

The details

In Westwood, demonstrators waved the pre-revolution Iranian flag, held signs expressing gratitude to President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and chanted for "free Iran." The rallies drew massive crowds, leading to temporary road closures and transit disruptions. In contrast, anti-war demonstrations unfolded downtown at City Hall and other locations, where protesters condemned the strikes as unauthorized aggression and illegal acts of war, and expressed alarm over reported civilian casualties.

  • The joint U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran occurred over the February 28–March 1, 2026 weekend.
  • The celebrations in Westwood took place on March 1 and 2, 2026.
  • The anti-war demonstrations downtown occurred from March 1–3, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who stressed heightened security and monitoring for threats, though no credible local dangers were identified.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran whose reported death was the catalyst for the events in Los Angeles.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose name was invoked by demonstrators in Westwood expressing gratitude for the military strikes.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The former Israeli prime minister whose name was also invoked by demonstrators in Westwood expressing gratitude for the military strikes.

Reza Pahlavi

The son of the last Shah of Iran, whose portrait was prominently featured by pro-monarchist groups in the Westwood celebrations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The mixed reactions in Los Angeles to the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran highlight the deep divisions within the city, as international events continue to reverberate through local communities and spark both celebration and condemnation.