U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran prompt 'emergency protest,' split reactions among Arizonans

Arizonans weigh in on U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran

Following a joint attack on Iran, mixed reactions are pouring in across the Valley after the United States and Israel launched an attack in the region overnight. FOX 10's Megan Spector learns how some Arizonans are calling for action against war, while others are celebrating and hopeful for the Iranian people.

PHOENIX - Arizona political leaders and residents alike are divided over the U.S. and Israeli strikes against the Iranian regime, with reactions in the Valley ranging from emergency protests to celebrations. 

The backstory:

A series of strikes by the United States and Israel led to the death of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in "Operation Epic Fury," President Trump confirmed on Feb. 28.  He had ruled the Islamic Republic for more than 30 years. 

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS," Trump said on Truth Social. 

Iran strikes: Mixed reactions following military action in the Middle East

The strikes on Iran are sparking mixed reactions throughout the Valley, prompting what one is calling an "emergency protest" at the State Capitol in Phoenix. FOX 10's Megan Spector hear more from those for and against the war. 

Israeli officials said 40 Iranian security and regime figures were also killed in the strikes. The joint attack targeted three strikes where Iranian leaders had been meeting, according to the Israeli military. 

Iran launched assaults on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. 

Local perspective:

Some Arizonans are uniting in a call to action against war. But for others – it’s a reason to celebrate and a sign of hope for the Iranian people.

"This operation should be considered saving the people of Iran from the tyranny of the regime and bringing them to freedom," Arshia Riahi, with the Arizona Persian Cultural Center said.

At the Arizona State Capitol, people gathered for what organizers called an emergency protest to stop the war on Iran. Organizers said they are fighting for peace abroad and advocating for the needs of American working families.

Big picture view:

"The videos are coming out from Iran. The ones I've seen — people are actually celebrating. Yes, they are scared. You know, nobody wants bombs to drop into their neighborhood.," Riahi said. "However, many of the videos that are coming out, people are actually celebrating because they see hope. Finally, they see hope. They see that there's a possibility of the regime change."

This military action follows thousands of recent deaths in Iran tied to a nationwide crackdown on economic and anti-government protests. But many Iranians have been waiting for this moment for decades.

"It's important for the world to understand that the Iranian regime has been taking its people hostage for 47 years. And they did mass killing of its own people. Anywhere between 40,000 to 100,000 people that were killed during the uprising a couple of months ago," Riahi added.

The other side:

But not everyone is celebrating, as anti-war protesters gathered at the Arizona State Capitol.

"As the people of Phoenix, we’re not going to let this happen," Dania Duran, an anti-war protest organizer said.

Organizers say they’re fighting for peace abroad and advocating for the needs of American working families.

"It’s clear that this government, rather than funding for the people’s needs like through health care, through education, through SNAP benefits - is directly going and trying to start a war in another country and we’re very much against that," Duran said.

Dig deeper:

"I don’t think the Iranian people actually want a foreign government, which is the U.S., which is Israel, actually intervening in their politics through striking," Duran said when asked about the widespread celebrations in Iran after the strikes. 'We’re very much against our government trying to be the decisive factor internationally and trying to just be this bully and say hey if you don’t summit to the us agenda, we’re going to go ahead and bomb you."

"This is a historical moment where the United States can be a hero to the Iranian people by helping them get free from this regime," Riahi said. 

What they're saying:

Phoenix Police said out of caution there will be more patrols around houses of worship and other community gathering spaces. 

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also released a statement following the tensions abroad.

"The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office remains committed to keeping the public safe and will address any threats to our communities. At this time, there are no known threats, but the Sheriff's Office is prepared to respond if the situation arises," they said.

What's next:

Riahi added that while the concept of war is never a good thing, he believes that for many, these events are a sign of hope that change is coming.