Community Rallies at Westwood Federal Building Following the Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader
Protests Erupt in Westwood Following U.S. Strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader
Dozens gathered at the federal building in Westwood on Saturday afternoon, marking a significant response to the recent U.S. strike in Iran that resulted in the death of the nation’s supreme leader. The atmosphere was charged, with many chanting “javid shah,” a slogan that signifies support for a constitutional monarchy and serves as a protest against Iran’s Islamic Republic.
Amidst jubilation, the crowd expressed a collective sense of relief following the news of the strike. Nader Sahat, who was born and raised in Iran, shared his thoughts on the situation. “He killed many of us for many years,” Sahat stated. “So the Islamic Republic is a terrorist regime. And all of us Iranians, both inside and outside, want a free Iran and want this regime to be gone!”
The gathering comprised many descendants of Iranians who fled the 1979 revolution, with a significant number having settled in Westwood and surrounding areas. This region is now home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside of Iran.
Meri, a participant who did not provide her last name, recounted the personal impact of the regime’s violence. “They killed my brother when he was 14,” she remarked.
Mehrnoosh Arabestani, a La Verne resident, described the day as a realization of a long-held dream. “Today is like our dream came true,” Arabestani expressed. “The most dictator, the person who killed thousands of people, 36,000 people, put a lot of people in jail. Today is dead.”
The backdrop of this demonstration is a history of unrest in Iran, particularly following the collapse of the Iranian currency last December, which spurred widespread protests demanding regime change. Former President Donald Trump has claimed that over 32,000 individuals have died due to government crackdowns since that time.
In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump addressed Iranians directly, stating, “America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.”
Anni Rezaei, a resident of Orange County, expressed her gratitude towards U.S. and Israeli leaders, thanking them for their support. “Thank you Donald Trump, our dear president, and Israel and its people and its president for helping us free Iran,” Rezaei said.
Sahat also highlighted his ongoing communication with family back home, noting the desire for freedom that persists among those still in Tehran. “I talked to my dad recently. He’s in Tehran and he’s also looking for freedom,” he explained.
Arabestani emphasized the importance of self-determination for Iranians. “We want to choose our future,” she asserted. “We want to see which part of the government our people want to decide. And after that, we respect that.”
As the situation unfolds, the implications of the U.S. strike and the response from Iranian communities worldwide continue to evolve.
