Many Iranian-Americans are still grappling with the aftermath of Israel’s attacks on Iran last June. For 12 long days, there was a desperate attempt to reach out to their loved ones in Iran, holding onto hope that these bombings wouldn’t claim innocent lives as people fled their cities.
Ultimately, over 1,000 Iranians, mostly civilians, lost their lives, and with no diplomatic solutions in sight, more violence could be around the corner.
As the immediate chaos subsides, the fundamental truths that have been warped over the years are coming to light again. An alarming number of Iranian Americans feel that the warfare and sanctions, which devastate both diplomacy and lives, are mistakenly viewed as the best approach for the U.S. in addressing issues like Iran’s nuclear stance, regional tensions, or human rights violations.
For far too long, social media narratives have painted Iranian Americans as a unified front pleading with leaders like Trump and Netanyahu for military action against Iran, even suggesting they support this idea as a means to “make Iran great again.” The Persian satellite network, Iran International, funded by those close to the Saudi royal family, contributes to the perception that most Iranians see Netanyahu as a savior, eagerly welcoming bombs and sanctions as liberating forces.
Meanwhile, those against war and sanctions have largely remained unheard. Organizations like NIAC, together with independent researchers and experts, have found their perspectives often misrepresented as part of a wider agenda due to their anti-war, pro-diplomatic stances.
Those opposing war and advocating for diplomacy believe that pursuing more military actions isn’t in the best interest of either America’s safety or the Iranian people’s future.
Reports indicate a concerted campaign of intimidation against Iranian-Americans, which includes threats that have forced many into silence. This includes a range of hostile tactics, from targeted videos to anonymous threats aimed at stifling opposition.
Even the U.S. State Department funded initiatives up until May 2019—efforts that were revealed to undermine journalists and activists by labeling them pro-Iranian government mouthpieces.
Recently, the New York Times highlighted Israel’s use of social media and AI-generated videos to manipulate perceptions during their conflict with Iran. This raises critical questions about the broader implications of these tactics in what Netanyahu termed a new “battlefield” of information warfare. Politico also noted a significant disinformation campaign targeting U.S. lawmakers that was traced back to Israel, further illustrating the extent of these operations.
This depiction of Iranian-Americans as war supporters while silencing dissent mirrors the messaging used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq—again framing violence as a noble cause under the guise of liberation.
But when the conflict arose, many who were critical of the Iranian regime had to confront the destructive realities of foreign bombings in their neighborhoods. Outside Iran, individuals who had previously supported military action found their stance shifting, facing backlash for their earlier views, as many in the Iranian diaspora opposed the violence.
Our organization, amid rising tensions, launched a comprehensive poll to gauge the true sentiments among Iranian-Americans regarding war, sanctions, and diplomacy. We sought to understand if external political agendas were misrepresenting community opinions in favor of another U.S.-backed regime change initiative.
Contrary to the narratives pushed by propaganda efforts, it turns out Iranian-Americans have a clear stance: largely against war, unsupportive of widespread sanctions, and in favor of diplomacy. In a recent YouGov poll carried out in May and June, results included the following:
- 53% of Iranian-Americans oppose military intervention in Iran, while only 36% support it.
- 62% favor a new nuclear agreement with Iran.
- 49% believe diplomacy is the most effective way to prevent a nuclear Iran.
- Just 21% support broad economic sanctions.
- 60% are against Israeli military actions in Gaza.
This isn’t a community clamoring for more bombs or harsh sanctions under the illusion of freedom through military strikes. Rather, there is a clear pursuit of more thoughtful, humane policies that prioritize peace.
In these challenging times, this campaign of disinformation and intimidation poses a threat not just to a specific community or organization but challenges the very notion that citizens should influence war and peace decisions in a democracy. The intent appears to be not only fabricating public support for conflict but also instilling a sense of inevitability surrounding war. We firmly reject that narrative and, alongside many Iranian-Americans, remain dedicated to advocating for peace—a sentiment echoed by a significant portion of the American public as well.
