Iranian diaspora celebrates Trump as critics warn of wider war in Iran | WATCH

Washington: A group of Iranian Americans gathered outside the White House on Saturday to applaud US President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran, describing the action as a decisive blow against the Islamic Republic and a turning point for Iranians seeking political change.

Waving pre-1979 lion-and-sun flags and American flags, the demonstrators assembled beneath a banner reading “Thank You”, chanting in support of the US administration’s Iran policy. Many in the crowd said the strikes represented long-awaited action against a regime they accuse of ruling through repression for nearly five decades.

“I wanted to talk to President Trump. Thank you so much,” one woman said. Addressing Iranians watching from abroad, she added, “All Iranian people, we want to run free after 48 years. We wanted to run free again.”

Mobile phones were raised to record speeches as a portable sound system amplified chants calling the US strikes on Iran “historic”. One participant beat a drum while others formed a circle and danced.

Another woman said she had come “to thank President Trump and Israel for helping the Iranian people”. She accused the Iranian regime of imprisoning citizens and suppressing dissent. “Thank you so much. You keep your word, and we are appreciative,” she said, urging people inside Iran to “stay strong”.

Several speakers framed the US military action as overdue. “We love what he’s doing. He’s supporting the people of Iran against the regime. He’s the first one after 47 years, he’s defending us,” one demonstrator said. She added that many Iranians wanted the regime removed and expressed gratitude to the United States and Israel.

Another participant described the day as “very important for all Iranians around the world”, repeatedly thanking the US President for what she called a bold step.

Also Read| Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in US–Israel strikes, Iranian media reports

Some supporters characterised the development in sweeping terms, saying they believed the strikes could weaken the Islamic Republic and reshape the region’s political landscape. References were also made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with expressions of support for his government’s position on Iran.

Counter-protesters oppose US military action in Iran

Across the avenue, a separate group gathered to protest against the strikes, warning that further escalation could draw the United States into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

One protester, identifying herself as a Palestinian Armenian, said the US should not be involved in wars abroad. “There’s no reason for us to be in Iran at all,” she said, criticising the administration’s foreign policy decisions.

Another demonstrator described the military action as “immoral” and “unethical”, arguing that a war with Iran could spiral beyond control. “We don’t need another war. We don’t need a war with Iran. It’s going to spin out of control,” he said.

Divide over US foreign policy and the Iran conflict

The duelling demonstrations underscored a broader divide over Washington’s latest military action in Iran. For segments of the Iranian diaspora, the strikes symbolise resistance against the Islamic Republic and the possibility of regime change. For critics, they raise concerns about regional instability, civilian impact and the risk of a wider Iran conflict.

Also Read| Iran media confirms deaths of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Tehran strikes

As debate intensifies over US-Iran tensions, the scenes outside the White House reflect the global resonance of American foreign policy decisions — particularly among diaspora communities closely tied to events unfolding in Tehran.

IANS