All articles tagged with #iranian american
New York officials and Iranian Americans offered a spectrum of responses to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Mayor Mamdani condemning the attack as a catastrophic escalation, lawmakers criticizing the move as illegal or misguided, and some Iranian Americans celebrating while others warn of long-term regional instability and civilian harm.
In Westwood, the heart of LA’s Iranian diaspora, residents celebrate news of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes said to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, waving lion-and-sun flags and sharing hopeful chants about regime change, while acknowledging uncertainty and potential escalation. The scene reflects Tehrangeles’ prominence in exile culture, with many planning to return to Iran and others wary of war’s consequences.
Iranian-American women in public life, including State Rep. Darya Farivar, have faced death threats and disinformation campaigns following the brutal killing of Mahsa Amini by the Islamic Republic. The murder highlighted the oppression and lack of human rights faced by Iranians, particularly women. Farivar, who comes from a long line of courageous Iranian women, faced baseless accusations of working for the regime, leading to online attacks and threats. The Iranian diaspora's historical trauma and grief have made them vulnerable to disinformation, tearing apart the community. These tactics mirror wider trends of weaponizing disinformation against progressives. Farivar remains committed to advocating for her community and building a stronger Iranian-American community in Seattle.
Sanaz Toossi, a 31-year-old Iranian American playwright, won the Pulitzer Prize in drama for her first produced play, "English," which is about a language test-prep class in Iran. Toossi said the play was about "the pain of being misunderstood, and how language and identity are interwoven." She hopes the Pulitzer win signals to Iranians that their stories matter and that one day soon, the play can be performed in Iran. Toossi is also a member of the Writers Guild of America and is currently on strike.