A free Iran is their shared dream. But the diaspora remains torn on the best path forward.
A Free Iran is Their Collective Aspiration. Yet, the Exile Community Faces a Divided Future
Los Angeles has become a microcosm of a broader ideological split within the Iranian diaspora. Last Saturday, demonstrators gathered near City Hall, expressing solidarity with Iranians enduring the consequences of an unsanctioned war. Their voices echoed with calls for peace, chanting slogans like “End the conflict in Iran” and “We reject war.” Simultaneously, just a few miles away on the Westside—known as Tehrangeles—another group of diaspora members reveled in the potential for regime transformation. They waved flags representing America, Israel, and Iran, danced to energetic music, and celebrated the news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in a U.S.-Israeli strike. This dichotomy highlights the emotional tension within the community as violence intensifies across the Middle East.
A Clash of Visions
Abbas Milani, a Stanford University professor specializing in Iranian studies, noted the growing rift among Iranians abroad. “Some are so frustrated with the regime that they advocate for its complete dismantling, even if it means sacrificing parts of the nation,” he observed. Others, however, prefer a more measured approach, seeking to overthrow the government without triggering widespread war. This divergence contrasts sharply with earlier this year, when the diaspora largely united in backing protesters against the government’s harsh tactics.
As the situation unfolds, the community grapples with questions of leadership. While some look to Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, as a potential leader, others remain cautious about restoring ties to the former royal family. Meanwhile, the government’s internet blackout has isolated many from their loved ones, amplifying uncertainty. With Nowruz—Persian New Year—approaching, the stakes have never been higher. Rumors suggest Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, might assume the role of supreme leader, raising concerns about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ influence.
Partisan Tensions and Public Opinion
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks have added to the complexity. He expressed a desire to remove Iran’s leadership structure entirely, hinting at names for a “renewed leader.” However, a recent NBC News poll reveals that 54% of potential voters disapprove of his military strategy. This mirrors internal debates within the Iranian diaspora, where support for war remains polarized.
Earlier this year, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and YouGov conducted a survey, finding 53% of Iranian Americans opposed U.S. military action. A new poll, set to release next week, could provide updated insights. The Iranian Diaspora Collective, an Instagram account with over 81,000 followers, emphasized the community’s diversity: “We are not a monolith. Millions will never align under the same ideology, and that diversity is the strength of any free society.”
Voices from the Exile
“The pain people endure now rivals generations of suffering from dissidents who resisted the regime,” said Ara Torosian, a Los Angeles-based pastor who fled Iran in 2010. He recounted his own experiences of persecution, including being jailed and beaten for possessing Christian items in Tehran. While he lamented the destruction of cultural landmarks and the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, he acknowledged the significance of Khamenei’s death as a turning point.
