In a development that drew attention in Southern California, ABC7 Los Angeles reported that some Iranian Americans expressed support for President Donald Trump following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting senior Iranian leadership and infrastructure. During a weekend broadcast, the station showed a large gathering outside a federal building in Westwood, where attendees waved American, Israeli, and pre-1979 Iranian flags. Some participants told the station they had previously opposed Trump but supported his recent actions.
Reporter Tim Pulliam described the atmosphere as energetic, with demonstrators saying they viewed developments in Iran as a potential turning point. The rally followed reports of coordinated strikes in Tehran and other cities. Iranian state media reported the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though independent verification and broader international confirmation have varied. Participants at the Los Angeles rally said they hope for political change in Iran.
Los Angeles County, which has consistently voted Democratic in recent presidential elections, is home to one of the largest Iranian American communities in the United States. Many families in the area trace their roots to those who left Iran after the 1979 revolution. The rally highlighted a range of political views within the community, particularly in response to events unfolding overseas.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remain elevated. U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out strikes on military and strategic sites in Iran, and Iranian officials have reported significant damage. Iran has responded with missile and drone launches targeting Israeli territory and U.S. positions in the region. Casualties have been reported on multiple sides. Separately, a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll found shifts in voter sentiment on domestic issues, including the economy, as both parties prepare for upcoming elections.