Twelve-Day War
The Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran reverberated far beyond the Middle East, reaching deeply into Iranian communities across the United States. For Iranian Americans—many of whom maintain strong cultural, familial, and emotional ties to Iran—the conflict created a moment of uncertainty, reflection, and public visibility. Across American cities, Persian-American communities responded through demonstrations, community gatherings, media advocacy, and conversations about identity, belonging, and peace. This exhibit explores how international conflict shaped the daily lives, voices, and experiences of Iranian Americans, highlighting how a global crisis became a profoundly local moment within the evolving story of the Persian presence in America.
Many want the Ayatollah Regime gone!
The photograph documents a protest in Westwood, Los Angeles, where hundreds of Iranian Americans gathered during heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Demonstrators called for political change in Iran while emphasizing that many Iranians oppose the Islamic Republic and seek greater freedoms. Several participants shared personal stories of repression and loss under the current government, illustrating how events in Iran continue to shape the political engagement of the Iranian diaspora in the United States.
But not eveyone is against the Ayatollah Regime, yet!
The photograph captures a tense moment during a protest in Westwood, Los Angeles, where demonstrators had gathered in solidarity with protests occurring in Iran. What began as a peaceful rally escalated into chaos when a U-Haul truck drove toward the crowd, leading to clashes between protesters, the driver, and police. The event reflected the intensity of emotions within the Iranian diaspora, many of whom were protesting Iran’s political repression and economic crisis while calling attention to the struggles of people inside Iran. The incident highlights how political events in Iran can strongly resonate within Iranian American communities and sometimes lead to highly charged public demonstrations in the United States.
Source: https://abc7.com/westwood-protest-uhaul-truck-iran-protests-los-angeles/
This poster advertises a national protest held in Washington, D.C., calling for an end to U.S. military action against Iran. Organized by a coalition of political and activist groups—including the ANSWER Coalition, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), CODEPINK, and the Democratic Socialists of America—the march urged Americans to oppose what organizers described as an unjustified war that could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The demonstration reflects how debates about U.S. foreign policy toward Iran have mobilized activists and members of the Iranian diaspora in the United States, who often participate in public protests to influence American policy and raise awareness about the potential consequences of war in the Middle East.