US Edition
Our Observers in Tehran: 'For Us to Achieve Freedom, War Is the only Option'
Iranian-Americans express mixed hopes and fears after U.S.-Israeli strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, sparking calls for freedom amid concerns of wider conflict.
- On March 3, 2026, thousands of Iranian‑Americans in Southern California and Sonora demanded freedom after reports of Khamenei's death, with some describing it as a moment of hope.
- Long‑standing repression and recent mass arrests have driven calls for change, with a group called the Human Rights Activist News Agency reporting nearly 6,500 killed and more than 53,000 arrested.
- Strikes on February 28 cut internet traffic to one percent and targeted some 50 top officials, while damage included a hospital on March 2 and the headquarters of the Expediency Discernment Council on March 3.
- A split has emerged in the diaspora, with a hardline contingent supporting President Donald J. Trump and joint strikes, while protests in Seattle, Bellevue and other U.S. cities opposed escalation amid fears and calls for Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince, to lead a transition.
- Targeting roughly 50 senior officials leaves Iran’s future and regional stability uncertain, with four succession scenarios and significant regional consequences, according to analysts.
14 Articles
14 Articles
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The U.S. launched strikes with Israel against Iran, killing its supreme leader, on Saturday. Here's an explainer on the history of the countries' relationship, spanning the 1953 coup, 1979 hostage crisis and Iran-Contra affair.
Divisions emerge among Iranian-Americans in WA over military strikes, regime change
As U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran intensify, Iranian-Americans in Washington are expressing sharply divided views over the use of force and what the future of Iran’s leadership should look like. Protests opposing military action were held over the weekend in Seattle, Bellevue, and other cities, part of larger demonstrations across the country calling for a peaceful resolution without further escalation. Many Iranian-Americans said the…
Local Iranians hope the war brings change to their home country
For those Iranians in the U.S., there are an array of opinions on the war President Trump has brought to their home country. And there's no clear indication the Iranian people can replace the Islamic Republic with the kind of secular democracy many are calling for.
Our Observers in Tehran: 'For us to achieve freedom, war is the only option'
Three days after US and Israeli air strikes started hitting their country, Iranians are torn between conflicting emotions: many are expressing joy for what they see as an opportunity to topple the Islamic regime, but also fear that the strikes will cause more civilian casualties. Two of our Observers in Iran describe what they have been going through since February 28.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
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