We, members of the Iranian community and our allies, strongly object to the upcoming event titled “Iran, the US, and Israel: How Did We Get Here?”, which claims to address Iran’s political reality while excluding the voices of those most affected by the Islamic Republic’s violence.

At a time when Iranian protesters are being killed, imprisoned, tortured, and executed, this event platforms speakers whose public positions and professional histories are widely viewed by Iranian protesters and human rights advocates as aligned with or protective of the Islamic Republic’s interests.

In particular, we raise serious concerns about the inclusion of Negar Mortazavi:

Ms. Mortazavi has previous professional ties to the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), an organization broadly criticized by Iranian dissidents and activists for advancing narratives that minimize or reframe the Islamic Republic’s crimes.
In recent public commentary, including online video discussions published during the height of Iran’s protest movement, Ms. Mortazavi has argued against external pressure or actions aimed at weakening or ending the Islamic Republic, positions that directly contradict the demands of many Iranians risking their lives to overthrow this regime.
For families of victims and protesters inside Iran, such messaging is not neutral analysis — it is experienced as discouraging international action while the regime continues to kill with impunity.
This event is presented as being “about Iran,” yet no Iranian protesters, former political prisoners, families of victims, women’s rights activists, or independent human rights defenders are included.

This is unacceptable.

Why this is harmful
It misrepresents the Iranian people by elevating voices perceived as legitimizing or softening the Islamic Republic’s narrative.
It re-traumatizes survivors and families of victims.
It creates the false impression that there is meaningful debate among Iranians about whether this regime should remain in power, when millions have already made their position clear at the cost of their lives.
Our demands
We call on the organizers to:

Cancel this event, OR
Remove speakers whose public positions are widely viewed as regime-apologetic, AND
Include credible Iranian dissidents, protesters, human rights lawyers, women’s rights activists, or families of victims.
Peace advocacy must not come at the cost of whitewashing state violence.

Events that claim to speak about Iran must be accountable to the people of Iran — not organizations or commentators whose narratives consistently undermine their struggle for freedom.

Link to event:

My evidences:

a talk from Negar last week:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QKRIajrm7c

PS: Negar worked for NIAC at the beginning of her career.

Please join me in calling for the cancellation of the event “Iran, the US, and Israel: How Did We Get Here?” Let us stand in solidarity with Iranians by signing this petition and voicing our objection to this ill-timed program.Thank you for standing with me in this vital cause.