The driver of a U-Haul truck that drove into an anti-Iran regime protest on Sunday in Los Angeles has broken his silence and said all he wants is peace.
Speaking to Fox 11 Los Angeles, Calor Madanescht, 48, said he never meant to hurt anyone when he drove his truck down the street where a crowd of protestors were showing support to their brethren in Iran amid deadly protests in the region against the oppressive government.
RALLY PANIC: One person was struck, with no significant injuries, after a U-Haul truck drove through a crowd during a Los Angeles protest in support of anti-regime demonstrators in Iran, with the driver taken into custody, authorities said.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 12, 2026
A banner displayed on the side of the… pic.twitter.com/elKdcuCy3w
A banner displayed on the side of the truck read, in all capital letters, "NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1953. NO MULLAH," along with another banner written in a foreign language.
READ MORE: U-Haul Truck Drives Into Protesters at Los Angeles Anti-Regime Iran Rally
MORE: U.S. Pulls Personnel From Key Middle East Base As Iran Tensions Spike
"I had no intention to hit anybody," Madanescht said.
The driver said the video that surfaced online has painted him as the aggressor, when he said in actuality, it was the protestors who attacked him.
"I was really afraid for my life," he added, pointing out how some at the protest had helped clear a path for him to drive out of there. "They were telling me, ‘Go, go,’ and they opened the path, as you see in the video."
The driver also explained that he was there because he wanted to join the protests and had no other motive.
"All I want is peace and human rights for everyone in Iran and for minorities," Madanescht continued.
The outlet noted that there were messages written on the side of his truck that read:
The truck carried signs reading, "No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah," referencing the U.S.-backed coup in Iran and opposition to the country’s current leadership. Madanescht said some pro-Shah demonstrators took offense to those messages. He also showed injuries he said he suffered during the confrontation, including stitches on his hand. "I defended myself from the person who stabbed me," Madanescht said. "I don’t know what it was — a knife or something."
SEE: Amid Protests, Iran Airs Ominous New Threat Aimed at President Trump
ALSO: New: Trump Doubles Down on His Redline, Signals Imminent Action Against Iranian Regime
During the interview, two men who were at the protest gave their account of what happened.
"They kept punching him, hitting him," said one of the men, identified as Mehdi. "They broke the window, kicked the truck, assaulted him, and he has a right to free speech."
The outlet said the other man questioned Madanescht's account that he was waved onto the street by the LAPD before the chaos.
"The reality is I peacefully came, cooperated with LAPD, and I'm deeply grateful for them," the driver said. "They deserve the highest praise for putting their lives on the line to save mine."
WATCH: Dramatic footage shows demonstrators chasing down a U-Haul truck, smashing its windows and attacking the driver after the vehicle plowed through a large crowd during an anti-Iranian regime protest in Los Angeles.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Police Department said the U-Haul driver… pic.twitter.com/ZJI4WEdj7w
The Los Angeles Police Department said the U-Haul driver was detained and that one man was treated for injuries after being struck by the vehicle.
As RedState reported, numerous videos on X showed the truck entering the area where the protestors were, before the truck was surrounded by the demonstrators, who attacked the truck before the police stepped in.
Madanescht was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department and was booked on a reckless driving misdemeanor charge.
Editor’s Note: The Democrat Party has never been less popular as voters reject its globalist agenda.
Help us continue exposing Democrats' plans to lead America down a dangerous path. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member