Iranian Americans said they have waited decades for this moment, while others said they do not want the United States to start an all-out war in the Middle East.
HOUSTON — Two groups gathered Saturday in Houston’s Galleria area, expressing sharply divided views over the U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran.
Members of Houston’s Iranian community rallied in support of the American intervention, celebrating what they described as a long-awaited turning point for their home country.
Across the street, dozens of other demonstrators protested against U.S. involvement, warning it could escalate into a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Tensions between the two groups at times drew a police presence as emotions ran high in the wake of the strikes.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed. President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back” their country.
Members of the Iranian community in Houston gathered at the intersection of Westheimer Road and Post Oak Boulevard for an unplanned demonstration Saturday evening. They chanted, “Thank you Mr. Trump,” voicing support for President Donald Trump and the military action.
Roushanak Moshrefi, who left Iran 35 years ago and came to Houston, said she – and so many others like her – have waited decades to see Iran’s current leadership fall.
“This means a lot to us. We are so, so happy,” Moshrefi said. “Hearing that the leader, the terrorist leader of Iran has been killed, has been killed, has been killed, and all the people related to him will be killed very soon, that’s what we wanted forever.”
That same sentiment was shared by Shahab Malayeri, another Houstonian who was originally born and raised in Iran.
“This is the first time I feel my country has a voice to raise. Finally, we are out of the suppression of a terrible dictatorship,” Malayeri said. “It means freedom. I haven’t experienced that in my entire life, because they’ve been suppressing us for 47 years, and I’m only 36 years old.”
But just across the street, another group of protesters criticized President Trump’s decision to authorize military action. They held what they described as an “emergency protest” to stop the war on Iran.
Many held signs and chanted, “No war with Iran!”
“The United States, which is my country, has a very long history of destruction,” Houston resident Patty Harlan said. “We always destroy. At the end of the day, there is destruction.”
Another protester, Alma Cooper, added, “It’s insane that another war starts just because the man-child, pedophile, brutal President of the United States decides that.”
However, several Iranian Americans told KHOU 11 that they do not view the actions by the U.S. and Israel as acts of war, pointing to loved ones in Iran who have shared their joy following the strikes.
“They’ve been celebrating because they want to be free. They have to liberate themselves. They don’t see this as a war. They see it as an ending to a war, and the liberation of a nation,” Houston resident Nooshin Motahari.
The Iranian community in Houston said they plan to hold another demonstration in Galleria on Sunday evening.
Other impacts
Airline Emirates cancelled two fights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Dubai. One flight was due to depart Saturday and the other Sunday. The Friday flight was diverted to another airport.