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In Tampa, Florida, a gathering of Iranian Americans took place on Saturday evening, where participants showed their backing for military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. They stood united against a newly announced ceasefire, warning it might bolster the Iranian regime.
This rally, convened by the Iranian American Society of Tampa Bay, unfolded at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Attendees displayed a mix of American, Iranian, and Israeli flags while chanting in favor of the U.S. military and the Israel Defense Forces.
Supporters also expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, they voiced concerns over the ceasefire announced by President Trump earlier in the week, fearing it could empower Iran’s ruling authorities.
“We’re dissatisfied with the ceasefire because we don’t acknowledge that regime,” said Shaparak Moshksaran, one of the rally’s attendees. “They weren’t chosen by our people.”
Moshksaran further noted that the military strikes carried out in late February were significant steps toward destabilizing Iran’s current leadership.
“Actually, this is the rescue mission for us that’s saving our people from the brutal regime,” she said.
Another demonstrator, Mehdi Tavoli, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida who moved to the United States three years ago, described Iran’s government as oppressive.
“I don’t know any other example that can be equal to this regime in terms of being brutal, being a totalitarian regime,” Tavoli said.
Not everyone agreed with the group’s stance.
“I can’t understand what perspective they’re coming from. This war hasn’t been good for anyone,” said Ali Abdel-Qader of the Party for Socialism and Liberation Tampa Bay.
Abdel-Qader argued that decisions about Iran’s political future should be left to its citizens.
“Let the Iranian people decide on their own destiny,” he said. “The people inside Iran — it is for them to decide their own course.”
Organizers said they plan to monitor developments in the Middle East but have not announced when they will hold another demonstration.