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NIAC Statement on Iranian Foreign Minister’s Comments on Trump Letter

Washington, DC – NIAC Policy Director Ryan Costello issued the following statement regarding comments made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Letter to the Iranian Supreme Leader: “Araghchi’s comments shine a light on Trump’s early diplomatic approach to Iran, which has struck dueling notes of pressure and opportunities for mutual benefit through diplomacy. While the Supreme Leader rejected negotiations in response to the Trump’s administration’s reimposition of “maximum pressure,” Iran’s Foreign Minister appeared to crack the door open for talks. In signaling that Iran will not engage in direct negotiations with the U.S. while maximum pressure sanctions and military threats persist, Araghchi’s position does not discount the possibility that Iran and the U.S. could negotiate indirectly through mediators. “Both the U.S. and Iran have much to gain from direct negotiations and a deal, but seem more committed to appearing tough than doing what needs to be done to secure their interests. For the U.S., threats and sanctions are far more likely to turn Iran away from the negotiating table – and push toward war – than to convince Iran of the benefits of negotiation. Rather than continuing blindly down this path that will make

Social Media Advisory Ahead of Travel Ban and Amid Escalating Legal Threats

Given recent incidents and the likely reimposition of the travel ban, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is issuing 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. These legal threats violate fundamental Constitutional protections, which apply to all persons inside the U.S. regardless of immigration status, including for free speech. As these clear Constitutional violations are being litigated and ultimately, we hope, halted by the courts, we believe many may want to consider precautionary measures to better protect themselves. Specifically, we recommend all Iranian nationals in the United States who are not citizens – including legal permanent residents and individuals on temporary visas:  exercise extreme caution when commenting on political matters on social media, particularly regarding the war on Gaza, Israel and U.S. policy toward Iran;  for foreign nationals that have been involved in activism that has been critical of U.S. Middle East policy, consider further measures including locking social media accounts/making them private and deleting past posts; and consider additional precautionary measures including reviewing your rights, consulting with immigration lawyers, speaking with digital rights and digital security

NIAC Warns of Dangerous Rhetoric and Tilt Back Toward Regional War

Washington, D.C. – National Iranian American Council (NIAC) President Jamal Abdi has released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s saber rattling toward Iran, the U.S. decision to bomb Houthi strongholds in Yemen and the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza: “The risks of regional war are once again surging with the apparent rupture of the ceasefire in Gaza by Israel, the U.S. bombardment of Houthi rebel forces in Yemen, and escalating rhetoric and tensions with Iran. Prospects for U.S.-Iran diplomacy that once appeared hopeful are now in danger as neither side is doing what it takes to get to the negotiating table. The military threats coming from President Trump and the maximalist demands being issued by members of his administration, combined with rhetoric from Supreme Leader Khamenei and Iranian officials rejecting engagement, only makes a disastrous war more likely.  “President Trump’s statements threatening Iran amid U.S. strikes in Yemen targeting Houthis and warnings of ‘dire’ consequences only provide ammunition to those in Iran opposed to diplomacy. While the President likely thinks this kind of language helps him in negotiations and reflects well domestically, this rhetoric will likely only harden Khamenei’s resistance to engaging under threat. Likewise, the demands from

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