Iranian-Americans Celebrate U.S.-Led Attacks in NYC Protest

Hundreds march in New York City to honor victims of Iran's regime and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Hundreds of Iranian-Americans marched in New York City on Sunday to celebrate the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 of his top officials, following a massive U.S.-Israel joint attack on Iran. The demonstrators carried the old Persian flag, as well as the American and Israeli flags, and honored the protesters killed in Iran during recent unrest.

Why it matters

The protest highlights the deep divisions and tensions within the Iranian-American community, with some celebrating the U.S. military action against the Iranian regime while acknowledging the loss of American lives. It also underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights and political change in Iran.

The details

The demonstration was organized by the Lion and Sun group, which wants exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to return to Iran and form a transitional government until the Iranian people can determine their own fate. Protesters said they were honoring all the people murdered by the Ayatollah regime and celebrating Khamenei's death, with some recounting their own experiences of fleeing Iran and facing oppression under the regime.

  • The protest took place on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Foujan Gharib

An NYU student who came to the U.S. in 2023 and remembers being hit by rubber bullets during the Iranian protests for Mahsa Amini.

Fariborz Aghili

A Manhattan resident who was celebrating Khamenei's death and honoring the protesters killed in Iran.

Shadi Hosseini

A woman who fled to the U.S. with her family after the 1979 Islamic revolution, with her family still in Iran and part of the oppressed Bahai faith.

Riag Javid

The head of the Persian American Parade, who expressed gratitude to the U.S. and President Trump for their support.

Shawn Azzeam

An Iranian-American who thanked the U.S. for their actions against the Iranian regime.

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What they’re saying

“I was crying and dancing the whole day yesterday after 50 days of torture. They killed so many innocent lives. We would cover our faces because we are fearing for our lives. My friends and classmates being taken away right in front of my eyes.”

— Foujan Gharib, NYU student

“We are honoring all the people that were murdered by the Ayatollah regime 50 days ago and also celebrating the death of the Ayatollah.”

— Fariborz Aghili, Manhattan resident

“The people of Iran have been suffering, all of us. There is not one person outside of Iran that doesn't have family member or acquaintance they know that have been slaughtered.”

— Shadi Hosseini

“We want our brothers and sisters in Iran to have [the] same rights we have.”

— Unnamed demonstrator

“It hurts. With all my heart I feel bad for them, but they are our heroes.”

— Riag Javid, Head of the Persian American Parade

What’s next

The U.S. and its allies are expected to continue their military operations against Iran in the coming weeks, with the goal of further weakening the regime and supporting the pro-democracy movement within the country.

The takeaway

The protest in New York City highlights the deep divisions within the Iranian-American community, with some celebrating the U.S. military action against the Iranian regime while acknowledging the loss of American lives. It underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights and political change in Iran, and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.