Newsweek: The Hostage Crisis is Damaging U.S.-Iran Relations Today. Yet Too Few Understand It.
NIAC’s Senior Research Fellow Dr. Assal Arad wrote a piece for Newsweek on the hostage crisis and its effect on U.S.-Iran relations today.
Launched Anti-War Efforts Nationwide
As tensions between the U.S. and Iran reached a new height after the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, NIAC worked closely with pro-diplomacy groups and activists across the country to push Congress to block Trump’s path to war.
Responsible Statecraft: Trump and his Team are Lying Their Way to War With Iran
NIAC’s Policy Director Ryan Costello wrote a piece for Responsible Statecraft on the implications of Trump’s connection to the killing of Iranian major-general Qassem Soleimani and Congress’ responsibility to avoid war with Iran.
Triggered DHS Investigation into Border Detentions
Triggered a DHS investigation into the detentions of Iranian Americans at U.S. ports of entry after some 60 Iranian Americans were held for lengthy questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
VICE: What It’s Like When Your Two Home Countries are on the Brink of War
NIAC’s Communications Director Mana Mostatabi wrote a piece for VICE on her story as an Iranian-American and how the fears she grew up will be passed down to the next generation.
Inkstick: The Iranian-American Community is Under Attack
NIAC’s Communications Director Mana Mostatabi wrote a piece for Instick on republican senators letter to the Department of Justice attacking NIAC and their work. Her article explores this letter in relation to the injustice Iranian-Americans face in America today.
Launched 2020 Presidential Tracker
Launched our Presidential Tracker to track the policies of 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates and encourage all of them, including presumptive nominee Joe Biden, to make two key commitments: to return the U.S. into compliance with the Iran nuclear agreement and to repeal the Muslim Ban.
Advocated Humanitarian Relief for Iran
Sent a letter to the Treasury calling on it to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not hinder Iran’s coronavirus relief efforts. Fortunately, within days, the Treasury reversed course and exempted certain humanitarian trade with Iran.
2020 Endorsements Announced
Announced our first wave of 2020 endorsements, both Iranian American and non-Iranian, who have proven themselves dedicated to ensuring our community’s interests are represented at all levels of government.
Urged Iran Sanctions Relief
Partnered with organizations like MoveOn, Win Without War, and J Street to call for humanitarian relief and an easing of U.S. sanctions in light of Iran’s difficulty accessing the basic medical supplies necessary to successfully combat coronavirus.
Urged IMF to Offer Iran Coronavirus Assistance
Sent a letter to the International Monetary Fund urging them to approve a loan for Iran that would greatly help ordinary Iranians and ensure the support reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Foreign Affairs: Iran’s Hard-Liners Are Sitting Pretty
NIAC’s Senior Research Analyst Sina Toossi wrote a piece for Foreign Affairs on how US max pressure policy and pandemic pressure has consolidated the hard-liners power in Iran.
Launched NIACast
Premiered NIACast, the NIAC podcast that brings together NIAC staff, experts and analysts, and members of our community to break down current political issues, celebrate arts and culture, and discuss the most pressing issues of the day.
Advocated for the Release of Dr. Asgari
Alongside Iranian-American organizations nationwide, we urged ICE to release Iranian national Dr. Sirous Asgari who was unjustly detained by the agency and held in conditions that heightened risk of contracting coronavirus.