LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA February 28, 2026 – Joyful crowds of Iranian-Americans took to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday evening, erupting in celebrations after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.
Video footage circulating widely on social media, including a post by political commentator Collin Rugg, captured large groups dancing, cheering, honking car horns, and waving pre-1979 Iranian flags in what many described as a historic moment of liberation for the Iranian people.
One celebrant captured the mood perfectly in the viral clip: “When is the last time you saw people in Israel and Iran dancing on the streets in excitement?” He continued, “And when is the last time you’ve ever heard of a country coming out and dancing because they’re excited that foreign powers are attacking them?”
During CNN’s live coverage of the gatherings, a Trump poster was clearly visible in the background — a striking visual symbol of gratitude from the Iranian diaspora toward the U.S. president and the operation that reportedly ended Khamenei’s 36-year rule.
President Trump confirmed Khamenei’s death on Truth Social earlier in the day, calling the 86-year-old leader “one of the most evil people in History” and stating the strike delivered long-overdue justice for Americans and others killed by the Iranian regime. Israeli officials also confirmed the development, though Iranian state media has claimed Khamenei remains “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”
The celebrations in Los Angeles — home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside Iran — mirror reports of similar scenes in other cities worldwide, as exiles and dissidents marked what they hope is the beginning of the end of the Islamic Republic.
Many participants expressed hope that the power vacuum created by Khamenei’s death could lead to freedom and regime change inside Iran.
As night fell over Los Angeles, the streets echoed with music, fireworks, and chants of “Freedom for Iran!” — scenes rarely seen in decades of opposition to the Tehran regime.
This story is developing. Life News Agency will continue to monitor reactions from the Iranian diaspora and official statements from Washington and Tehran.
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