Consider This from NPR

Episode Title: Why some Iranian Americans back the war on their country of origin
Date: March 29, 2026
Duration: ~8 minutes (excluding ads/intros/outros)
Host: Adrienne Ma (NPR)
Key Guest: Ramtin Arablouei (co-host, NPR’s Throughline)

Episode Overview

This episode examines the complex and sometimes conflicting views among Iranian Americans regarding the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, Israel, and regional allies. It highlights why some in the Iranian American diaspora support military action against Iran, delving into generational trauma, nostalgia for pre-revolutionary Iran, and the emergence of opposition figures like Reza Pahlavi amidst regime change protests. On-the-ground perspectives from recent rallies and expert analysis provide a textured understanding of a community wrestling with its identity and hopes for Iran’s future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalation in the Middle East & Iranian American Tensions

• [00:00] Reports of intensified military conflict: Iranian strike on a Saudi airbase wounding US troops, Houthis entering the war, and Israel expanding its operations into Lebanon.
• [00:34] The war’s repercussions are felt among Iranian Americans, especially those with loved ones in the military.
  • Karina Kagan shares her anxiety:

    "Our daughter's in the army currently stationed in South Korea. And right now, the military boots on the ground possibility is the biggest thing in my head right now." ([00:34] - Karina Kagan)

2. Divergent Views within the Iranian Diaspora

• [01:02] Some community members fear repercussions of a ground invasion, both in terms of American and Iranian casualties, and possible shifting public opinion in the US.
  • Sahand Kodakian:

    "Ground troops is very scary. American troops could lose support from US Side. You could get a lot of casualties on the American front and that can make the public here completely against the Iranians." ([01:02] - Sahand Kodakian)

3. Protests and the Role of the Diaspora

• [02:20] The war has galvanized anti-regime protests in US cities, most recently a rally in Washington, D.C.

  • Ramtin Arablouei reports from the protest:
    • Large, diverse crowd of Iranian Americans, with notable support for Reza Pahlavi (exiled son of the pre-revolutionary Shah).
    • Presence of Iranian, American, and even Israeli flags—a striking image considering Israel’s current actions:

      "We saw people holding American flags and even Israeli flags, which I know for a lot of listeners that's confusing...It's basically a enemy of my enemy is my friend situation." ([03:52] - Ramtin Arablouei)

• Leila Raq, protester:

  "Israel, of course, with the help of United States, which we are very grateful because Israel, they know what we are going through. You have to have been living under this fascist regime so that you understand." ([04:24] - Leila Raq)

4. Nostalgia and the Return of Reza Pahlavi

• [05:02] Many in the diaspora advocate for Reza Pahlavi as a transitional leader, not necessarily as a restoration of monarchy but as a symbol uniting opposition to the Islamic Republic.
• Historical context: The nostalgia for pre-1979 Iran is a powerful force among the diaspora.
  • Holly Dagres (Washington Institute):

    "I remember Iranians used to be like Salman a Shah at the time of the Shah, when they wanted to talk about when things were better. And that I think that nostalgia has only grown because of the access to information. There's documentaries about pre revolutionary Iran. There's also all these nice pictures and photos that go viral." ([05:58] - Holly Dagres)

5. Understanding US and Israeli Motives

• [06:22] Turmoil has increased since the deaths of Iranian leadership and massive US/Israeli attacks. Despite opposition to the regime, many Iranian Americans remain skeptical that foreign intervention truly serves the interests of the Iranian people.
  • ‘Ramin,’ Protester:

    "Every country, they think about their benefits and about their interests. Yeah, of course, that's very normal. And we do not expect any country to come and spend millions and trillions of dollars just for the good of the people...But right now, our interests are aligned." ([07:08] - Ramin)

6. Diaspora Complexity and Political Symbolism

• [07:42] The rallying around Pahlavi is not universal; the community is diverse with significant disagreement about the war and regime change.
  • Ramtin Arablouei:

    "There are many Iranian Americans who are against this war. There's even some who are in support of the regime in Iran. But I do think it represents...most Iranian Americans feel about their desperate need to want to see the Islamic Republic fall." ([07:42] - Ramtin Arablouei) "They want to rally around someone. And what [Pahlavi] is providing is basically some kind of symbol or symbolic leadership for people to jump behind and say we want this to replace the Islamic Republic." ([08:23] - Ramtin Arablouei)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Conflicted patriotism and identity: Scene at rallies with protesters waving both American and Israeli flags ([03:52], [04:24]).
• Skepticism on foreign intervention:

  "We do not expect any country to come and spend millions and trillions of dollars just for the good of the people...But right now, our interests are aligned." ([07:08] - Ramin)

• On nostalgia for the monarchy:

  "...that nostalgia has only grown because of the access to information. There's documentaries about pre revolutionary Iran. There's also all these nice pictures and photos that go viral." ([05:58] - Holly Dagres)

Important Timestamps

• [00:00-01:02] Introduction: Current conflict and Iranian American perspectives
• [02:20-03:52] Protest scenes in Washington D.C.; flags and symbolism at the demonstration
• [05:02-05:58] Discussion about nostalgia, Reza Pahlavi, and diaspora sentiment
• [07:08] Protester Ramin’s perspective on intervention and interests
• [07:42-08:30] Complexity of diaspora politics and the symbolism of Pahlavi

Conclusion

The episode offers a concise yet nuanced exploration of why some Iranian Americans support military intervention against Iran, shaped by trauma, nostalgia, and a desire for regime change—even if it means aligning with foreign powers. Yet, the diversity of opinion within the community is emphasized, particularly regarding the risks, motivations, and alternatives for Iran’s future.

End of Summary