Jewish-Iranian Perspective on US-Iran Conflict and Middle East Peace

The safety of Jewish, Iranian, and Palestinian populations is mutually dependent, according to Ethan Mabrouk, National Organizing Director of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC). Mabrouk argues that U.S. military intervention fails to improve lives and asserts that the future of Iran must be decided by its 90 million citizens rather than external powers.

Why is there a growing divide in how Iranian Americans view U.S. foreign policy?

Iranian American communities are split between those advocating for “maximum pressure” to topple the Iranian government and those pushing for diplomatic engagement. According to Mabrouk, organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and supporters of Reza Pahlavi often characterize diplomacy as an endorsement of the Iranian regime.

Mabrouk notes that the “maximum pressure” strategy is often rooted in collective trauma from the Iranian Revolution. However, he argues this approach has backfired, providing Iran with greater leverage, such as the potential to block the Strait of Hormuz. He suggests that sanctions actually hinder the growth of a democratic middle class, which is essential for internal reform.

What do recent polls say about American support for the Iran-Israel conflict?

Data indicates a significant portion of the U.S. population opposes the current escalation in the Middle East. A NIAC poll found that 70% of Iranian Americans oppose the war. Similarly, a survey by the Jewish-American group J Street revealed that 60% of Jewish Americans are against the conflict.

Mabrouk argues that the narrative equating the Israeli government’s actions with the will of all Jewish people is inaccurate. He claims that the “moral survival” of Jewish values requires an end to war crimes and the recognition that Israeli security cannot be guaranteed while Palestinians and neighboring states remain unsafe.

How is the Trump administration’s immigration policy affecting Iranian nationals?

Iranian nationals in the U.S. face increasing risks of detention and deportation. Mabrouk reports that the Trump administration has deported asylum seekers who fled Iran due to threats based on religion or sexual orientation.

Legal challenges have provided some relief. NIAC recently participated in a lawsuit that resulted in a victory for 83 Iranian nationals, allowing them to resume the process of adjusting their legal status. Despite this, many legal residents and green card applicants remain in a state of indefinite suspension.

Can domestic economic pressure change U.S. military involvement in the Middle East?

Economic instability is beginning to shift the political calculus for some U.S. lawmakers. Mabrouk points to Representative Tom Barrett (R-Michigan) as an example, noting that Barrett voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution after constituents—specifically farmers—protested rising fertilizer prices caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

This suggests that while the Iranian American population is small, alliances with labor unions, veterans, and agricultural groups can create enough pressure to move the needle in Congress. Mabrouk believes that enforcing existing laws, such as the Arms Export Control Act, could be used to halt weapon supplies to Israel and stop attacks in Lebanon.

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