'Thank you, President Trump': Nationwide celebrations erupt across US after Iran strikes

In New York City, crowds at Persepolis cheered 'Operation Epic Fury' as an Iranian protester hoped for change in Iran
After Donald Trump announced strikes killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crowds in Washington, New York and Los Angeles celebrated (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
After Donald Trump announced strikes killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crowds in Washington, New York and Los Angeles celebrated (Mario Tama/Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Celebrations broke out in different parts of the United States after the military action against Iran was announced. People gathered in cities such as Washington, New York, and Los Angeles. Many in the crowds expressed support for the decision and reacted to the statement made by Donald Trump about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In Washington, DC, large groups from the Iranian community gathered near the White House. They waved American flags and older Iranian flags from before the Islamic Republic. Some people were heard thanking Trump after the Iran strike.

A man waves a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as members of the Iranian community and supporters celebrate on February 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel had launched an attack on Iran Saturday morning. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A man waves a picture of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as members of the Iranian community and supporters celebrate on February 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Celebrations erupt across the US after strikes on Iran

Missile strikes across Iran drew urgent attention from the United Nations, which called on all sides to reduce tensions and return to diplomacy. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation and urged restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict.

While many around the world opposed the strikes, some Iranian citizens living in the United States showed support. In Los Angeles, which has a large Iranian community, hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate the attacks. They held American flags and pictures of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Donald Trump.



Near Georgetown University in Washington, DC, crowds chanted loudly and waved both American flags and the historic Lion and Sun flag of Iran. Videos shared online showed many chanting “USA! USA!” as they marked what they called a significant moment.



In New York City, groups gathered at Persian restaurants to cheer the military action, referring to it as “Operation Epic Fury.” At Persepolis on Second Avenue and 73rd Street, an Iranian film student who had been wounded during Iran’s 2022 protests joined others in dancing and celebrating, saying they hoped the events would bring a new chapter for their homeland.



Trump calls Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death 'justice'

Trump said on Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was dead and called it “justice” for the Iranian people, Americans, and others around the world.

On Truth Social, Trump described Khamenei and his allies as “bloodthirsty thugs” responsible for many deaths. He said the event gave Iranians a chance to “take back their country” and noted that some members of Iran’s security forces were reportedly seeking immunity and did not want to fight.

Trump also said the United States would continue its military operations, including “heavy and pinpoint bombing,” to keep peace in the Middle East and beyond. He framed the strikes as both punishment for past violence and an opportunity for change in Iran, calling it a step toward safety and stability in the region. 

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