President's Message
Dear John,
Every year, we pause to listen—to you, our members. And every year, I’m reminded why this community is unlike any other. Your clarity of purpose, your courage to speak truth, and your commitment to justice give us not just a mandate, but a mission.
This year, more than 600 of you—from 42 states and three generations of Iranian Americans—told us loud and clear what matters: diplomacy over war, dignity over discrimination, and people over politics.
We hear you. And we’re taking action.
At a time when war drums are beating again and civil rights are under attack, your voice is our compass. Whether it’s challenging new sanctions, defending the right to travel freely, or ensuring that diplomacy is more than just a talking point—we’re on it. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s necessary.
So thank you for showing up. Thank you for holding us accountable. And thank you for helping shape a future rooted in peace, equity, and collective power.
In Solidarity,
Jamal Abdi
President, NIAC
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The Results Are In: 2025 Member Survey
This year, over 600 NIAC members from across 42 states and three generations of Iranian Americans came together to share their priorities, hopes, and concerns in our 2025 Annual Survey.
Today, we’re proud to share the results with you.
READ THE FULL REPORT [[link removed]]
These findings help shape everything we do—from fighting discriminatory policies at home to advocating for peace and diplomacy abroad.
What Matters Most to Our Community in 2025:
1. Preventing war between the U.S. and Iran
2. Lifting broad sanctions that hurt Iranians
3. Advancing diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran
4. Securing a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine
5. Defending Iranian Americans' civil rights
These top five are deeply interconnected and reflect your calls for justice, compassion, and action.
💡 More Key Insights:
Support for diplomacy is stronger than ever:
Nearly 90% of members say NIAC should actively push for diplomacy—a sharp rise from 66% just two years ago.
A major shift on sanctions:
For the first time, a majority (57.6%) want NIAC to oppose all sanctions on Iran—not just the broad ones.
Civil rights concerns are growing:
78.1% of you are deeply concerned about threats to our civil rights. From travel bans to property restrictions, these issues are deeply personal—and political.
A nuanced approach to a possible second Trump term:
A majority believe we should both engage on shared interests like diplomacy and oppose harmful policies like a renewed Muslim Ban.
Human rights in Iran:
Nearly 71% say NIAC is striking the right balance—calling out abuses without giving fuel to harmful foreign interventions.
This is what people-powered advocacy looks like. Read the full report here [[link removed]] .
Peace & Diplomacy
🚨 X/Twitter Space on Impending Trump-Iran Talks [[link removed]]
This week, President Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran will engage in talks this Saturday in Oman to find a peaceful solution to the nuclear standoff. Today, NIAC hosted a discussion with top experts on X/Twitter to preview the talks and unpack all that may take place. The featured speakers included:
* Ryan Costello | NIAC, Moderator
* Jon Hoffman | Cato Institute
* Emma Ashford | Stimson Center
* Trita Parsi | Quincy Institute
* Sina Azodi | George Washington University
* Negar Mortazavi | Center for International Policy
If you weren't able to tune in, you can access a recording of the event here [[link removed]] .
🏛️ War, Weaponization, or a Deal? President Trump’s High-Stakes Approach Toward Iran [[link removed]]
Last week, we hosted a congressional briefing in the U.S. Senate for a discussion with The American Conservative’s Curt Mills, Center for International Policy’s Negar Mortazavi, NIAC President Jamal Abdi, and NIAC Policy Director Ryan Costello moderating. This discussion shed a light on U.S.-Iran relations at a very critical juncture, when the U.S. and Iran are set to hold talks this coming weekend.
You can access a summary of the discussion and the stream of the full briefing here [[link removed]] .
Trump and Iran Diplomacy Tracker [[link removed]]
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This is an essential tool that is regularly updated to follow fast-moving developments, keeping you informed on how the U.S. and Iran are positioning themselves for possible negotiations.
Updates from the Hill – Take Action
Bill to Ban U.S. Travel to Iran Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee
H.R. 2619 - The “ No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act [[link removed]] ,” introduced by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), includes a provision to ban U.S. travel to Iran. We fought and successfully defeated this very same bill last Congress, but now it has been re-introduced and was passed through the House Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday. Thankfully, we saw some congressional opposition to the bill, including from Representative Sara Jacobs [[link removed]] (D-CA) who rallied most of the committee’s Democrats to vote against a travel ban.
However, Members of Congress must be reminded – just as we did last year – that our community does not stand for proposals that would restrict our right to be able to travel to Iran to see our loved ones. Send a message to your Representative TODAY to help ensure that this bill does NOT move forward and ultimately become law. Take action here >> [[link removed]]
You may take additional action here >> [[link removed]] to either thank or ‘spank’ your Representative – if they serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee – for their vote either against or in favor of H.R. 2619.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical legislation.
Civil Rights
www.niacouncil.org/travelban [www.niacouncil.org/travelban]
2025 Travel Ban Center [[link removed]]
The 2025 Travel Ban Center has been continuously updated as resources and new information become available.
The Deeply Concerning Arrest of Alireza Doroudi, a Doctoral Student [[link removed]]
March 28, 2025 - Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, was arrested off-campus by ICE agents in late March and now faces deportation for unclear reasons. This arrest has sparked outcries from his fellow students at the University of Alabama and countless individuals concerned about the deterioration of civil rights across the United States.
NIAC, for its part, has demanded that ICE make clear the circumstances surrounding his arrest – which they still have not done. If Doroudi didn’t commit a crime, he must be released and allowed to return to his studies.
The Arrest and Detainment of Mahmoud Khalil [[link removed]]
March 10, 2025 - The fact that Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. legal permanent resident, has been arrested and faces possible deportation is a chilling violation of his rights and an attack against the free speech of all Americans. Free speech is a constitutionally protected right, including the right to protest unjust wars and call for a ceasefire.
Social Media Advisory Ahead of Travel Ban and Amid Escalating Legal Threats [[link removed]]
March 19, 2025 - NIAC issued an advisory recommending that foreign nationals in the United States who have been active politically consider taking extra precautions given escalating legal threats being pursued by the current U.S. administration.
NIAC in the Press [[link removed]]
The Guardian [[link removed]] : NIAC condemns the arrest of Alireza Doroudi, calling on the administration to halt its harsh and unjust actions and immediately release all individuals unjustly detained.
Newsweek [[link removed]] : NIAC President, Jamal Abdi, warns that the risks of regional war are surging after Trump had helped calm regional tensions initially by investing in diplomacy early and forcing Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal that saw hostages freed.
Middle East Eye [[link removed]] : NIAC Policy Director, Ryan Costello, stated that potential Russian mediation between Iran and the US was "urgently necessary" to get the two countries to the negotiating table.
Human Rights Tracker
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Fatemeh Sepehri: The Story of a Free Spirit Behind Bars [[link removed]]
April 3, 2025 - Today, at 60 years old, Fatemeh Sepehri has endured multiple charges in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison for simply speaking her mind against the Islamic Republic. And despite the severe state of her health, she faces further indictments and repeated court appearances By the time she reaches her 61st spring, she will likely still be in prison, coping with a deteriorating state of health in a system that shows no willingness to ease her suffering. NIAC strongly condemns the ongoing imprisonment of Fatemeh as a clear example of the Iranian government’s crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights.
Visit our catalog of human rights trackers [[link removed]]
📥 Subscribe to receive the Human Rights Tracker in your inbox [[link removed]]
Iran Unfiltered
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Week of March 17, 2025: Iran’s Rial Hits Historic Low as Dollar Surpasses 100,000 Tomans [[link removed]]
Week of March 31, 2025: Sit-In Over Suspended Hijab Bill Ends Following National Security Council Directive [[link removed]]
Week of March 31, 2025: UN Extends Iran Human Rights Investigations and Removes Time Limit [[link removed]]
📥 Subscribe to receive Iran Unfiltered in your inbox weekly [[link removed]]
Community & Culture
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We're thrilled to share the incredible work of our community in March and April! NIAC chapters across the country have been hard at work bringing people together, building political power for our community and celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
On April 8th, on the same day, our New York Chapter hosted a Know Your Rights Norooz [[link removed]] alongside key partners like Muslim Advocates and the ACLU of New York, while our Chicago Chapter co-organized an official Norooz Celebration at City Hall [[link removed]] , complete with a proclamation from Mayor Brandon Johnson. In March, we led a powerful "No More Bombs" Action Hour [[link removed]] with Peace Action advocating Senator Bernie Sanders' resolutions. NIAC New York Organizers spoke about immigration at the historic Riverside Church in New York about Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, and Alireza Doroudi, and Chicago leaders met with Illinois' Attorney General to address civil rights concerns building on work from other chapters with Attorneys General across the country. Our chapters also celebrated Norooz in style, with over 200 attendees at an event organized by supporters in New Jersey [[link removed]] and another celebration and official resolution passed by the D.C. City Council [[link removed]] . Meanwhile, our Cultural Committee took its first steps, planning a year of events to foster community and celebrate Iranian culture, which we look forward to officially launching soon. It's been a deeply challenging and hopeful few months, and we look forward to continuing building with you!
Want to bring more Iranian Americans together to support and organize community events? Sign up to volunteer >> you can join a local NIAC Chapter or our New NIAC Cultural Committee [[link removed]] .
Support Our Work
Your continued support is crucial. Donate today to help us make a difference. [[link removed]]
Donate Today [[link removed]]
Thank you for standing with us as we navigate these challenging times and strive for peace, justice, and human rights.