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Resources

RAPID SUPPORT FOR POLICYMAKERS

U.S. government officials and policymakers in need of rapid support can contact the NIAC policy team for in-depth information and analysis either by phone at 202.386.6325 or via email at [email protected]. (Note: If you don’t have a government (.gov) email address, please use our regular contact form. All non-government emails will be blocked by spam filters.)

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

Grassroot movements are driven by the work and dedication of volunteers and students. NIAC has always made it a priority to engage with and encourage Iranian student organizing and success. This is why we have compiled a list of scholarships to assist Iranian Americans in pursuing higher education.

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April 16, 2020

In today’s world, you’re probably signed up for hundreds of email lists — from your favorite brands to your local candidate for office. It means you get a deluge of emails hitting your inbox every day and email clients like Gmail are getting smarter and smarter by the day in sorting promotional emails into junk […]

January 23, 2020

Parts of this guide have been adapted from the “Indivisible Guide”   Why Town Halls? Town Halls are public events or meetings that members of Congress hold with their constituents. These are an opportunity for the Iranian-American community to have its voice heard by educating your member of Congress and urging them to stand up […]

January 23, 2020

We’re working to advance peace & diplomacy with Iran, but we need your help to make it happen. Join a local NIAC Action team to attend local events and rallies and say #NoWarWithIran! You can use the resources (like posters & graphics) below: Download PDF here  Download PDF here Download PDF here Download PDF here […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: Varies Established in 1989, The Iranian Association of Boston (IAB) is a non-political, non-religious organization and has no affiliation with any political or religious organization. The Iranian Association of Boston is dedicated to promoting the cultural and social understanding of Iran. IAB is deeply committed to meeting the needs of the growing […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: March 7th, 2021 Award: $2,000 (3 winners) The Ansari Scholarship was established by the Ansari family to provide financial support to deserving ASU students of Iranian or Persian heritage and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. WEBSITE  

January 21, 2020

A major activity of The Society of Iranian American-Women for Education (SIAWE) is to provide scholarships to qualified college or university students to enhance their educational opportunities. Each year a number of students are selected based on available funding, the number of applicants and their qualifications to receive an SIAWE’s scholarship through the school they […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: $500 (5 winners) Iranian American Academics and Professionals (Washington DC) Student Scholarship Award program was established in 2005 and since then several  Iranian graduate and undergraduate students have received the award.The main goal of the award is to acknowledge the accomplishments by fellow Iranians students in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: Varies Depending on contributions received from the Iranian-American community, the Persian Scholarship Foundation aims to expand its current award programs and add the following programs in the future. The PSF current awards four different types of scholarships and fellowships. WEBSITE

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: Varies The Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute is a private foundation that sponsors activities and programs with a primary focus on preservation, transmission, and instruction of Persian culture. They have partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and institutions where they offer both fellowships and scholarships. WEBSITE

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: Varies The Iranian Scholarship Foundation (ISF) was founded in 2000 by Mrs. Azadeh Hariri, with the vision of creating an effective scholarship program for Iranian-American students in the United States. Mrs. Hariri’s vision also included a desire to ensure that the second generation of Iranians coming of age in the United States […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: June 1st of each year Award: $3,500 per year toward graduate school education In an attempt to express the humanitarian and scholarly spirit of the Iranian culture, the Houtan Foundation (founded by Dr. Mina Houtan) offers a scholarship to students from all origins that have shown high academic performance and an interest in promoting […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: March 21st, 2020 Award: $2,000 – $5,000 (multiple winners) The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Dr. Hamid Rezapour. ISF was founded to address the problem that American Muslims are underrepresented in the fields of humanities, social sciences and liberal arts and by providing scholarships […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: July 31, 2020 Award: $2,500-$5,000

January 21, 2020

Deadline: June 30th of each year Award: $500-$1,000 Based in Portland, Oregon, The Momeni Foundation was established in 2001 as a result of the efforts of its President, Moji Momeni. The philanthropic motivation of the Foundation can, according to Moji, be embodied in the following excerpt of Persian verse: “Digaraan kaashtand o maa khordeem; Maa […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: Varies In 1998 the Iranian-American Scholarship Fund was created by Iranian Americans in San Diego, California seeking to create scholarships for students of Iranian heritage. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need, and a commitment to community service. The Iranian-American Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for Undergraduates, Graduates, and […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: $10,000 per year The Foroutan Foundation has established a new scholarship program, the Foroutan Scholarship, available to eligible and qualified students admitted to an accredited university, college, or vocational school in California. WEBSITE

January 21, 2020

Deadline: Varies Award: $1,000 per semester (max $2,000) The Children of Persian Scholarship Program was established in 1999 with the simple objective of promoting the well-being of Iranian children by providing assistance in areas of healthcare, education, and social services. The focus of the scholarship is to assist students with financial need to meet their […]

January 21, 2020

Deadline: July 15, 2020 Award: $3,000 The Bita Daryabari Scholarship was established in 2016 by Bita Daryabari to provide financial support to Middle Eastern women in the Ageno School of Business who are either U.S. citizens or have a student visa. Students are expected to describe how they had overcome obstacles as a woman and […]

January 21, 2020

As part of its greater effort to increase Iranian-American civic participation, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has compiled information on US scholarships available specifically to students of Iranian heritage, funded by Iranian-American donors. Full access to higher education is part of the lifeline of any community in the information age and we encourage students […]

November 20, 2019

Washington DC – As the Iranian government implements a near total shutdown of the internet in the midst of a crackdown against widespread protests, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) called on the U.S. Treasury Department to take necessary steps to ensure U.S. sanctions are not contributing to the Iranian government’s ability to disconnect Iranians. Iranian Americans have been unable to communicate with family members during the shutdown and the isolation of Iran due to certain sanctions has unfortunately contributed to the Iranian government’s ability to separate its population from the rest of the world. 

October 13, 2017

“Congress must step in and make it clear that it will restrain this President and that the U.S. is fully committed to upholding its word on the Iran deal” said Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council.

September 7, 2017

“In the face of defeat, the Trump administration tried to double down and ban grandmothers and close family, and we are relieved that this latest effort to tear families apart has also failed.”

August 25, 2017

Apple’s decision to restrict mobile apps made by Iranian developers may be an overly cautious approach to U.S. sanctions compliance that undermines U.S. interests by limiting the Iranian people’s access to technologies used for personal communication.

May 26, 2017

The Iranian people are pushing their country in a positive direction, demanding greater openness at home and engagement with the world. It is vital that the United States not stand in their way.

March 10, 2017

On January 29, Iran is reported to have test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile, prompting sharp condemnations from the Trump administration and a new round of of sanctions designations. Many in Congress have pushed for further escalatory measures against Iran in reaction to its testing, though this would represent a dangerous course that could increase the likelihood of conflict with Iran and undercut the Iran nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

February 28, 2017

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) imposes long-term restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in return for the United States’ lifting of all nuclear-related sanctions targeting Iran, as well as taking steps to ensure Iran’s access in areas of trade, technology, finance, and energy.[1]

Some have nevertheless adopted the false belief that the United States can impose broad new sanctions on Iran or re-impose those that were lifted under the JCPOA –nullifying the benefit of Iran’s bargain – without upsetting the broader agreement. Such a view is estranged from realities on the ground: the JCPOA is a political accord that will either succeed or fail depending on whether it proves a positive-sum deal for all parties involved. If the nuclear accord’s benefits do not accrue to all, then the JCPOA will erode to each party’s detriment.

February 8, 2017

According to the New York Times and Reuters, the Trump administration is prepared to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) as soon as next week. This is an extremely provocative move by an administration that increasingly looks eager to start a war with Iran. At minimum, it will put the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – the Iran nuclear deal – in extreme jeopardy.

January 20, 2017

Wednesday, January 18, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, faced tough questioning from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her confirmation hearing. During the hearing, the Governor indicated she did not support a religion-based or “Muslim” registry, while leaving the door open to one based on national origin, and got several facts on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear deal, wrong while indicating that the new administration would review Iran’s compliance.

January 13, 2017

Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS), who has been at the center of highly politicized efforts to oppose the Iran deal while serving in the House, attempted to sing a much different tune when testifying before the Senate this week on his nomination to head the Central Intelligence Agency.

January 13, 2017

Donald Trump’s picks to head Homeland Security and the Justice Department attempted to put a more tolerant face on the President-elect’s campaign proposals calling for banning or tracking Muslims – or individuals from so-called “terror-prone countries – who come to the U.S.

January 13, 2017

Donald Trump’s choices to head key national security agencies broke from the President-elect’s more provocative campaign rhetoric on Iran in confirmation hearings this week. General James Mattis and Rex Tillerson, nominated to head the Pentagon and State Department respectively, cautioned against tearing up the deal outright and expressed skepticism about new unilateral sanctions. However, they each signaled a harder line on Iran that may nonetheless undermine the sustainability of the nuclear deal. Since Trump’s election, many opponents of the Iran deal have warned against directly dismantling the agreement, instead calling for the U.S. to ratchet up pressure to provoke Iran to back out of the accord.

December 8, 2016

The U.S. should sink Iranian ships, consider targeted killings of Iranian fighters in Syria, and ratchet up new non-nuclear sanctions on Iran under the Trump Administration, according to a panel of lawmakers and policymakers organized on Capitol Hill yesterday by the hawkish United Against Nuclear Iran organization.

Outlining Trump’s options going forward, Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the U.S. must “restore coercion” and recommended direct military confrontation, saying that sanctions alone are not a silver bullet. “The next time a Revolutionary Guard attack boat harasses the U.S. Navy, we should sink it, put it in the bottom of the Gulf,” Dubowitz said. “That would be a good start.” He also noted the possibility of directly targeting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah proxies that are operating in the Syrian civil war. “Remember, right now Syria is a target-rich environment if you want to go after the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, and that’s not just a hypothetical possibility, the Israelis are doing it today…The Israelis are enforcing their red lines, they’re using military force against the Iranians. I think the United States of America could do the same.”

October 18, 2016

Washington, D.C. – NIAC President Trita Parsi released released the following statement after Siamak and Baquer Namazi were reportedly sentenced to ten-year terms in prison:

“The sentencing of Siamak and Baquer Namazi to ten-year prison terms is a gross injustice that should deeply embarrass the Iranian government. We urge Iran to immediately release the Namazis – as well as all dual nationals unjustly detained in Iran on spurious charges – so that they can reunite with their family.

October 17, 2016

Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council released the following statement on the report from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs on EU strategy toward Iran in the wake of the nuclear deal:

“The successful nuclear negotiations with Iran were a game changer and Europe is poised to make the most of the opportunity while the U.S. risks being stuck on the sidelines. The European Parliament deserves tremendous credit for laying out a strategy to improve relations with Iran through enhanced trade and cooperation, in addition to addressing issues of outstanding concern through proven diplomatic channels. It would be a tremendous mistake for the EU and other nations to fail to capitalize on the opening created by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by returning to a strategy solely based on isolation and military threats. Enhanced engagement with Iran is necessary not just to sustain the nuclear accord, but also to find solutions to continuing sources of tension including human rights violations in Iran and regional conflicts.

March 11, 2016

On February 26, the Iranian people voted in elections to choose Iran’s next parliament (Majles) and the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with appointing the Supreme Leader. With 34 million Iranians participating— approximately 62 percent of eligible voters—hardliners in both bodies were dealt a significant defeat. Reformists, moderates, and some conservatives formed a coalition supporting the Rouhani government, dubbed the “Second Step” on a path to moderation (with the first step being the 2013 election of Rouhani). They managed to defeat many of the opponents of the nuclear deal and provide a likely plurality to back Rouhani’s agenda in parliament.

March 11, 2016

On February 26, the Iranian people voted in elections to choose Iran’s next parliament (Majles) and the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with appointing the Supreme Leader. With 34 million Iranians participating— approximately 62 percent of eligible voters—hardliners in both bodies were dealt a significant defeat. Reformists, moderates, and some conservatives formed a coalition supporting the Rouhani government, dubbed the “Second Step” on a path to moderation (with the first step being the 2013 election of Rouhani). They managed to defeat many of the opponents of the nuclear deal and provide a likely plurality to back Rouhani’s agenda in parliament.

March 11, 2016

On February 26, the Iranian people voted in elections to choose Iran’s next parliament (Majles) and the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with appointing the Supreme Leader. With 34 million Iranians participating— approximately 62 percent of eligible voters—hardliners in both bodies were dealt a significant defeat. Reformists, moderates, and some conservatives formed a coalition supporting the Rouhani government, dubbed the “Second Step” on a path to moderation (with the first step being the 2013 election of Rouhani). They managed to defeat many of the opponents of the nuclear deal and provide a likely plurality to back Rouhani’s agenda in parliament.

March 11, 2016

On February 26, the Iranian people voted in elections to choose Iran’s next parliament (Majles) and the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with appointing the Supreme Leader. With 34 million Iranians participating— approximately 62 percent of eligible voters—hardliners in both bodies were dealt a significant defeat. Reformists, moderates, and some conservatives formed a coalition supporting the Rouhani government, dubbed the “Second Step” on a path to moderation (with the first step being the 2013 election of Rouhani). They managed to defeat many of the opponents of the nuclear deal and provide a likely plurality to back Rouhani’s agenda in parliament.

March 11, 2016

On February 26, the Iranian people voted in elections to choose Iran’s next parliament (Majles) and the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with appointing the Supreme Leader. With 34 million Iranians participating— approximately 62 percent of eligible voters—hardliners in both bodies were dealt a significant defeat. Reformists, moderates, and some conservatives formed a coalition supporting the Rouhani government, dubbed the “Second Step” on a path to moderation (with the first step being the 2013 election of Rouhani). They managed to defeat many of the opponents of the nuclear deal and provide a likely plurality to back Rouhani’s agenda in parliament.

November 20, 2015

Iran has taken the first steps to implement the nuclear accord struck with the U.S. and world powers in July, according to the latest quarterly report by the IAEA.

November 20, 2015

Iran has taken the first steps to implement the nuclear accord struck with the U.S. and world powers in July, according to the latest quarterly report by the IAEA.

November 20, 2015

Iran has taken the first steps to implement the nuclear accord struck with the U.S. and world powers in July, according to the latest quarterly report by the IAEA.

November 20, 2015

Iran has taken the first steps to implement the nuclear accord struck with the U.S. and world powers in July, according to the latest quarterly report by the IAEA.

November 20, 2015

Iran has taken the first steps to implement the nuclear accord struck with the U.S. and world powers in July, according to the latest quarterly report by the IAEA.

August 3, 2015

Effective verification will be vital to the success of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Fortunately, the agreement contains intrusive inspection measures that can deter Iranian cheating and ensure that potential Iranian violations are swiftly detected. Below, we answer five key questions on the verification measures included in the JCPOA:

August 3, 2015

Effective verification will be vital to the success of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Fortunately, the agreement contains intrusive inspection measures that can deter Iranian cheating and ensure that potential Iranian violations are swiftly detected. Below, we answer five key questions on the verification measures included in the JCPOA:

August 3, 2015

Effective verification will be vital to the success of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Fortunately, the agreement contains intrusive inspection measures that can deter Iranian cheating and ensure that potential Iranian violations are swiftly detected. Below, we answer five key questions on the verification measures included in the JCPOA:

August 3, 2015

Effective verification will be vital to the success of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Fortunately, the agreement contains intrusive inspection measures that can deter Iranian cheating and ensure that potential Iranian violations are swiftly detected. Below, we answer five key questions on the verification measures included in the JCPOA:

August 3, 2015

Effective verification will be vital to the success of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Fortunately, the agreement contains intrusive inspection measures that can deter Iranian cheating and ensure that potential Iranian violations are swiftly detected. Below, we answer five key questions on the verification measures included in the JCPOA:

April 9, 2015

View as PDF Senators Bob Corker (R-TN), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have introduced S.615 – the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which claims to provide Congressional oversight of an Iran nuclear agreement but in reality threatens to kill any deal. Congressional Veto: The bill enables Congress to veto any final deal. Delay: The bill would […]

February 28, 2015

View as PDF A good nuclear deal with Iran would expand limitations and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program, blocking Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and decreasing the risk of a costly, counterproductive war. From recent reports, such a deal could be within reach in the weeks ahead. Rejecting a good deal would be a […]

December 3, 2014

New information has been released outlining significant new nuclear concessions by Iran under the extended Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) secured on November 24, 2014.

November 24, 2014

Several key voices on Capitol Hill have already weighed in with their support of an extension to nuclear negotiations with Iran, including eight members of the House of Representatives that issued a strong joint statement. Below is a list of quotes from lawmakers that favor an extension: Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee: […]

July 3, 2014

Washington, June 30 —“If there is a nuclear deal, one of the key obstacles could be the U.S. Congress that prevents the implementation [of sanctions relief] from happening successfully,” said Ellie Geranmayeh, European Council on Foreign Relations Policy Fellow, speaking at a NIAC briefing for Congressional staffers. “This is an issue that Iranians are thinking […]

June 19, 2014

      Washington, DC – Twenty-six organizations called on the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee today to clarify a pending Congressional sign-on letter to the President concerning nuclear negotiations with Iran.  The U.S., along with UN powers, are in what may be the final stage of negotiations with Iran to secure a deal to verifiably prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon […]

March 17, 2014

NIAC details the existing authorizations for the President to waive and terminate sanctions and discusses the problems these limited authorities may pose for a final deal.

March 7, 2014

The Iran policy letter being circulated by Senators Menendez and Graham will complicate nuclear negotiations with Iran. The letter includes implicit demands for “zero enrichment” and sets other unrealistic and unnecessary requirements for a final agreement.

February 24, 2014

Beginning in 2012, there have been widespread reports that U.S. and European sanctions on Iran have contributed to shortages of life-saving medicine in Iran, including drugs needed to treat cancer, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, and other severe ailments.

January 8, 2014

S.1881, the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, would implement new Iran sanctions in violation of the recently brokered Geneva accord.

December 19, 2013

NIAC strongly opposes legislation introduced by Senators Menendez, Schumer, and Kirk that would implement new Iran sanctions in violation of the recently brokered Geneva accord.

December 9, 2013

With the U.S. and partners having secured an interim deal that would freeze and rollback Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for modest sanctions relief, some are urging for additional sanctions that would violate the deal.

November 26, 2013

In order to help convert this agreement into a final deal, Congress must have accurate information about the benefits of the interim deal and not allow spin to derail this opportunity to prevent war and prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. View as PDF   With the interim agreement between the P5+1 and Iran agreeing to a […]

November 26, 2013

 The interim agreement signed by Iran and the P5+1 is a major boost to American and regional security. For the first time in eight years, Iran’s nuclear program will be frozen and key elements will be rolled back, all under enhanced IAEA inspections. View as PDF The interim agreement signed by Iran and the P5+1 […]

November 21, 2013

 This week, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) introduced an amendment that would amplify sanctions and sabotage ongoing diplomatic negotiations that represent the best chance of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, helping to pave the path to war. View as PDF This week, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) filed an amendment (#2295) to the National Defense Authorization Act (S.1197) […]

September 19, 2013

Iran’s new president has sent positive signals and undertaken actions that suggest a nuclear compromise is achievable, U.S.-Iran tensions can be resolved, and the human rights situation in Iran can significantly improve.

July 24, 2013

Several bills are under consideration in Congress which seek to increase pressure on Iran. All would punish the Iranian people and risk undercutting the incoming Iranian President who has pledged “constructive interaction with the outside world.”

July 19, 2013

This bill, cosponsored by 19 Republican Senators, would remove the President’s ability to waive sanctions, risk fracturing the international coalition, and worsen humanitarian shortages in Iran.

July 12, 2013

Beginning in 2012, there have been widespread reports that U.S. and European sanctions on Iran, in addition to Iranian government mismanagement, have created shortages of life-saving medicine in Iran, including drugs needed to treat cancer, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, thalassemia and some other severe ailments.

July 11, 2013

The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a new bill, H.R.850, that could seriously harm U.S.-Iranian relations and prospects for reaching a peaceful solution to the present crisis, as well as disproportionately hurt ordinary citizens in Iran.

July 11, 2013

Senator Mark Kirk is circulating sanctions legislation that would effectively end all avenues for diplomacy and significantly increase the risk of war by making “regime change” in Iran official US policy by requiring Iran to “move toward a free and democratically elected government” as a condition for lifting sanctions.