LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Members of Southern California’s Iranian community are reacting to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, sharing personal stories and hopes for the country’s future.
Mike Shouhed, one of the stars of the reality TV show “Shahs of Sunset”, spoke with Eyewitness News about his family’s experience moving from Iran to Los Angeles and reflected on what he believes the fall of Iran’s extremist regime could mean for Iranians worldwide.
“After 47 years of oppression, senseless murders, basic rights missing for my people in Iran, they have finally been liberated after 47 years,” he said. “My people were persecuted for their religion. My country that I was born in, that created my family, my culture, the food I eat, the music I listen to, the poetry I read … that country was taken and hijacked. Showing your hair, dancing, going to parties, hanging out, the things we take here for granted, freedom of speech was taken from them for 47 years. For that to have been overthrown in my lifetime made me so happy, I cried. Like wow, I can’t believe this. It’s happening. We’re getting our country back.”
Shouhed joined an Iranian community demonstration in Westwood on Saturday, where many voiced similar feelings of optimism amid ongoing developments.
Participants at the gathering shared messages centered on hope for Iran’s future and potential changes in its government.
The Southern California region is home to the largest population of Iranians outside Iran, and community members say they are watching events closely as they continue to unfold.
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