Around the world and here in Southern California, Iranians have been demonstrating against the regime.
Many at a Thursday rally in Beverly Hills said they're angry and frustrated with President Donald Trump after watching the U.S. seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, wondering what the hesitation is with Iran.
Some said they have faith that the U.S. will act within the next coming weeks, but other say that with the death toll now in the thousands it may be a little to late.
Protesters calling for regime change say it's long overdue as reports of a deadly crackdown continue to emerge.
Activists say thousands have been killed during nationwide protests, with demonstrations erupting in Iran's capital, Tehran, and other major cities.
In Southern California, home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, protesters say they feel helpless watching the violence from afar. Among them, a woman who told Eyewitness News she fled Iran just two night ago -- still visibly shaken as she described what she saw before escaping.
"It's worse than the holocaust, it's a million times worse than holocaust. it's worse than any Hollywood movies. You cannot imagine how they kill the people with no fear, with no hesitation - nothing - and they enjoy killing the people," said Sanaz Nikjou.
The U.S. is moving a large number of ships and fighter jets in Iran's direction. Trump says he's ordering the fleet towards Iran "just in case". The president has threatened to act if Iran executes anti-government protesters.
Protesters say they hope Los Angeles is paying attention because many people in this community have not been able to talk their family or their friends over in Iran since the internet has been cut out. They also told ABC7 that this is not the last demonstration -- they're going to hold another protest on Saturday in Orange County calling for regime change.