Iranian Americans in Dallas react with fear and hope to US, Israeli strikes inside Iran

Feb 28, 2026; WFAA

At a rally on Saturday, people described a mix of anxiety and optimism, worried about instability but hopeful that international attention could bring change

DALLAS, Texas — Military strikes carried out thousands of miles away in Iran reverberated Saturday in Downtown Dallas, where some members of the Iranian American community gathered to process what the escalation could mean for their families and for the country's future.

 The rally at John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza followed U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran, as a significant escalation in regional tensions. The strikes killed Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials say. State media have also reported one of the U.S.-Israeli strikes hitting a girls' elementary school while classes were in session, reportedly killing more than 100 children.

For many in North Texas, the moment felt deeply personal.

“It’s a lot of emotions,” said Reza Hesami, who left Iran at 17 and now lives in North Texas. “I think the words are, I’m terrified, I’m happy, I’m hopeful.”

Hesami said he learned about the strikes through family members who still live in Iran.

“They were like, ‘This is surreal. People are on the streets,’” he said. “I don’t think I’d ever see something like this happen ever again.”

Officials said the strikes mark a new phase in the long-running conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries. While details continue to emerge, those gathered in Dallas said they are closely monitoring events as they unfold.

Many in attendance said they still have relatives overseas and are concerned about safety, communication disruptions and what could come next.

“This is now the moment for the Iranian people to really take back their country,” said Hesami.

Homeira Hesami, another member of the Iranian American Community of North Texas, said the current tensions are part of a much longer struggle.

“The Iranian people have been fighting for freedom and democracy for over 40 years,” she said. “This fight has been going on. It’s not something that is new.”

Several attendees described a mix of anxiety and optimism, worried about instability but hopeful that international attention could bring change.

“I want the Iranian people to have the same opportunity and chances to live their lives freely inside Iran as well,” one participant said.

As the situation overseas continues to develop, members of the Dallas-area Iranian community said they plan to remain engaged, watching closely and supporting loved ones from afar.