Thousands rally in Westwood as U.S.-Iran war escalates, calling for a 'free Iran' - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Matthew Ormseth

March 2, 2026

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Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Westwood, Los Angeles, to celebrate what they believed was the fall of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to advocate for a “free Iran” amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. The rally, held outside the Westwood Federal Building, reflected the hopes of the Persian diaspora, many of whom see the situation as an opportunity for regime change. Participants waved American, Israeli, and Iranian flags, with some donning green hats emblazoned with “Make Iran Great Again.” Chants for a free Iran echoed through the streets as attendees expressed their desire for political变革 in their homeland. The rally was fueled by recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, including surprise attacks that reportedly killed hundreds, including civilians. Demonstrators like Shawn Araghi, who fled Iran as a child during the 1979 revolution, shared their belief that the Iranian people are fundamentally different from the regime. Araghi expressed hope that the Islamic Republic would be replaced by a more just and free society, possibly under the leadership of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Los Angeles area is home to one of the largest Iranian diasporas globally, with many having left Iran after the 1979 revolution. Since then, Westwood has become a hub for political and cultural activity among exiles. The rally marked a shift in tone from previous gatherings, which were often somber affairs following crackdowns on protesters in Iran. Nilgoon Askari, another attendee, described how her best friend was killed during recent suppressions of dissent in Iran. She viewed the U

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 3/2/2026