Tehrangeles

USA

🇺🇸 Make Iran Great Again? ‘Tehrangeles’ Community in LA Reflects on US Strikes

In LA’s Westwood neighborhood—renowned as Tehrangeles, home to over 500,000 Iranian-Americans—emotions range from cautious celebration to deep unease. Many residents, including Iranian Jews, welcomed the strikes as necessary disruption to Iran’s oppressive regime. Others expressed fear for their families, concern about further violence, and skepticism toward military intervention. Why the Reactions Vary Regime Change vs. Civilian HarmSome view “Make Iran Great Again”—a twist on Trump’s slogan—as a hopeful path toward democracy. Others worry bombs won’t target the regime alone. Conflicted AllegiancesMultiple identities—Persian, Jewish, revolutionary, refugee—merge in Tehrangeles. As Porochista Khakpour notes, the community is “more dysfunctional family fight than united front.” Fear for Loved OnesAnxiety echoes across coffee shops and bakeries. “We’re worried 24 hours a day,” says local vendor Farbod Papen . Why It Matters ReasonSignificanceDiaspora InsightTehrangeles reflects broader diaspora sentiment—torn between relief and fear.Cultural SpotlightThe community’s response illustrates how […]

Ahmad June 25, 2025