Iran Trolls US Over LA Riots

By Amir Daftari

Iran has seized on violent protests rocking Los Angeles to mock the United States, ramping up social media taunts and state media headlines.

As federal immigration raids triggered days of unrest and National Guard deployment, Tehran's outlets amplified scenes of chaos to question American stability and governance. The trolling reflects broader tensions between the two nations, with Iran eager to capitalize on U.S. domestic turmoil.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

By amplifying scenes of chaos tied to immigration enforcement, Tehran aims to portray the Trump Administration as fractured, authoritarian, and morally compromised at a time of tense nuclear negotiations and long-term strains.

Against this backdrop, Iran is leveraging social media and state media to frame the U.S. as unstable and hypocritical—part of a broader strategy to weaken its global credibility amid deepening diplomatic tensions.

What to Know

Iran's state-linked outlets have ramped up efforts to mock the unrest in Los Angeles, taking direct aim at former President Donald Trump's signature slogan.

The Tehran Times ran a bold front page reading "Make America Quashed Again," a clear play on "Make America Great Again."

On social media, a military-affiliated X account echoed the jab with the caption "Make Mexico Great Again!" over a photo of a protestor waving a Mexican flag —tying the border crisis to America's internal chaos.

The coordinated barbs cast the U.S. as destabilized and in decline, turning Trump's branding against him.

Meanwhile, another Iran-linked account, Iran Observer, posted on X: "Usually the United States causes riots in other countries. But now Mexico has caused riots on US soil. Incredible times we live in."

Protests Erupt Over Immigration Raids

The demonstrations began after federal immigration enforcement actions targeted individuals in Los Angeles. Protesters flooded the streets, clashing with police, and incidents of looting and property damage were reported.

In response, President Trump ordered at least 2,000 National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement and issued a string of late-night posts on Truth Social, declaring, "Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!" and demanding, "ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!" LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed 27 arrests on Sunday and warned that violence was worsening.

Nuclear Talks Stalled

Iran's messaging coincides with a breakdown in nuclear negotiations. Tehran rejected Washington's latest proposal—demanding it halt enrichment and ship uranium abroad—as "unacceptable." Iranian officials say they are preparing a counterproposal seeking phased sanctions relief tied to banking and trade normalization.

Talks remain frozen as Tehran's uranium enrichment nears weapons-grade levels, heightening Western concerns. Iran portrays its position as a defense of sovereignty, while U.S. officials warn that failure to reach a deal could lead to military action.

What People Are Saying

Iran Observer, posted on X: "Usually the United States causes riots in other countries. But now Mexico has caused riots on US soil. Incredible times we live in."

U.S. President Donald Trump: "Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!" and "ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!"

What Happens Next

As protests continue, Iran will likely amplify its messaging of American instability, seeking to weaken U.S. influence internationally while domestic tensions in the U.S. remain high.

The front page of Iran's Tehran Times newspaper, June 9, 2025. Tehran Times