In the aftermath of recent bombings targeting Iran, many Iranian Americans are grappling with overwhelming emotions as they seek to connect with loved ones back home. The strikes have left residents of major American cities like Atlanta reflecting on the human cost of geopolitical tensions.
Neda Abghari-Skelton, an Iranian American living in metro Atlanta, expressed the emotional burden shared by many in the diaspora. “As an Iranian American, it’s heart-wrenching to watch events unfold both inside Iran and across the region,” she shared in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The personal dualities of grief and fear have become all too familiar for those with ties to Iran. They find themselves constantly explaining to their fellow Americans that the Iranian government does not speak for its citizens. “The country we come from is over 90 million strong—artists, poets, students, activists,” Abghari-Skelton said, pointing out that government propaganda often misrepresents the true voice of the people.
The tragic situation has also led to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and discrimination, further complicating the diaspora’s emotional landscape. Azka Mahmood, executive director of the Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, noted an uptick in Islamophobic incidents following the attacks, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by communities at home.
Another Iranian American, Mana Kharrazi, recounted communicating with her cousin in Tehran amid the escalating violence. After the bombings began, her cousin reached out for guidance, fearing for her safety. “I said: ‘Take any threats seriously,’” Kharrazi remembered, expressing her concern for relatives navigating such uncertain circumstances.
For many, these recent military actions have invoked fears that the Iranian government may respond with increased repression, a viewpoint echoed by Kharrazi, who described the government as indifferent to its people’s safety. She worries a potential war could exacerbate state paranoia and oppression, despite some who hope military intervention might lead to regime change.
The spectrum of opinions among the Iranian American community is diverse. Atlanta City Council member Amir Farokhi indicated that while political views may vary, there is a shared universal concern for the well-being of civilians caught in the conflict.
Human rights lawyer Azadeh Shahshahani voiced her condemnation of U.S. military intervention in Iran, emphasizing the problematic nature of America’s foreign policy history regarding the country. “The U.S. dropping these massive, massive bombs on Iranian soil — it’s atrocious, it’s unbelievable,” she remarked, criticizing the disparity in how the U.S. holds itself accountable for international law violations.
Drawing upon her experiences growing up during the Iran-Iraq war, Shahshahani recalled how the U.S. had previously supported Iraq, alerting Iranian Americans to the cyclical nature of conflict they face. Referencing historical U.S. foreign policy actions, she insisted that the Iranian people deserve peace without foreign intervention, underscoring an appeal to respect their autonomy.
As the situation remains precarious, many hope for a ceasefire to be established between Iran and Israel. Shahshahani expressed her concern for the psychological toll these events are taking on the Iranian populace. “Our people are very agitated, very scared, very frightened,” she said, asserting that the lasting scars of war and conflict may stay for generations.
With the recent bombings serving as yet another chapter in the long history of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, the Iranian American community reflects not only on their history but also on their hopes for the future—a future that encompasses safety, dignity, and respect for their loved ones regardless of their location.
For many Iranian Americans, this moment serves as a stark reminder of the realities faced by those back home, compounded by a rising tide of misunderstanding and fear in the U.S. As they navigate their complex identities and emotional landscapes, the call for compassion and understanding remains louder than ever.
image source from：ajc
