21 March 2010: Iran and the United States: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, offers his Nowruz Greetings 1389 (2010).
Reaction to Mousavi's Statement #17 (Farsi)
29 January 2010: (Farsi Version) Iran and the United States: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses Mir Hossein Mousavi's Statement #17 and proposal for a National Reconciliation Government.
Recent Protests & US-Iran Relations (Farsi)
29 January 2010: (Farsi Version) Iran and the United States: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses the recent protests and their effects on the future of Iran and US-Iran relations.
A Message on Iran and Relations with the US (Farsi - Part I)
23 January 2010: (Farsi Version) Iran and the United States: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses the Council's history and achievements, outlines its mission and goals, and shares his vision of US-Iran relations in 2010.
A Message on Iran and Relations with the US (Farsi - Part II)
23 January 2010: (Farsi Version) Iran and the United States: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses the Council's history and achievements, outlines its mission and goals, and shares his vision of US-Iran relations in 2010.
An Alternative Scenario for the Future of Iran & US-Iran Relations
10 January 2010: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses four possible scenarios for the future of Iran and outlines an approach to US foreign policy. If you cannot access this video via YouTube, you can download it here.
Reaction to Mousavi's Statement #17
2 January 2010: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses Mir-Hossein Mousavi's Statement #17 and proposal for a National Reconciliation Government. If you cannot access this video via YouTube, you can download it here.
Recent Protests & US-Iran Relations
30 December 2009: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses the recent protests and their effects on the future of Iran and US-Iran relations. If you cannot access this video via YouTube, you can download it here.
A Video Message from AIC's Founder and President
24 December 2009: Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses the Council's history and achievements, outlines its mission and goals, and shares his vision of US-Iran relations in 2010. If you cannot access this video via YouTube, you can download it here.
AIC Urges the Obama Administration to Engage Iran Now!
4 August 2009: The American Iranian Council believes that the Obama Administration should continue to offer "direct talks" to Iran and that Secretary Clinton is right when she says "the time is now." Making time of the essence is the right approach to dealing with US-Iran relations.
It is unfortunate that certain Iranian-American organizations and personalities (NOT leaders of the Green Movement) have called for Iran's "diplomatic isolation" and a stop to US-Iran engagement. This misleading advice will disserve all parties involved in the US-Iran dispute. Read More
Iranian Lives and American Spare Parts: An Open Letter to President Obama
1 August 2009: Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi wrote to President Obama to bring his attention to the human tragedy that plane crashes have brought to the Iranian people and visitors who travel to Iran. In tune with Obama's “hope” and “change” slogans, he urged the President to help mitigate this calamity by lifting sanctions on the sale of American-made civilian planes and spare parts to Iran. Read More
Hillary Clinton Addresses Foreign Policy Issues at the Council on Foreign Relations
15 July 2009: Hilary Clinton visited the Council on Foreign Relation's new headquarters in Washington, D.C. where she was invited to speak on the Obama administration's Middle East policy, including an update on Iran. Read Full Remarks
Obama Clarifies Biden on Iran
7 July 2009: President Obama found himself today revising and extending remarks made by his number two on a hair-trigger topic -- Iran's apparent pursuit of nuclear weapons. Read Boston Globe Article
Obama Gives Isreal Green Light to Nuke Iran
6 July 2009: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the Obama administration would not stand in Israel’s way should the latter chooses to take military action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat. Read Article
Saudis Give Nod to Israeli Attack on Iran
6 July 2009: The head of Mossad, Israel’s overseas intelligence service, has assured Benjamin Netanyahu, its prime minister, that Saudi Arabia would turn a blind eye to Israeli jets flying over the kingdom during any future raid on Iran’s nuclear sites. Read Article
Leading Clerics Defy Ayatollah on Disputed Iran Election
4 July 2009: An important group of religious leaders in Iran called the disputed presidential election and the new government illegitimate on Saturday, an act of defiance against the country’s supreme leader and the most public sign of a major split in the country’s clerical establishment. Read New York Times Article
Obama's Communication With Iran Before the Elections Followed AIC's Recommendations in its Policy Whitepaper
24 June 2009: A recent article from CNN details the Obama administration's attempts at initiating dialogue with the Islamic Republic before the 2009 Iranian Presidential Elections. AIC's policy whitepaper, published in February 2009, spelled out a diplomatic path to peace which included a recommendation for the US to reach out directly to the Iranian Leadership. Key elements of AIC's proposed policies appear to have influenced the issues addressed in the letter sent by President Obama to Iran's Supreme Leader.
The Iranian Presidential Elections
23 June 2009 - The Tenth Iranian Presidential Election was the Islamic Republic's most engaging, with more than 80% voter turnout. Unfortunately, however, this historic event ended in a dispute that has polarized the country and has led to civil unrest. The opposition charges the votes for the incumbent president, who was declared winner, were rigged. To put pressure on the government to hold new elections, the opposition has taken to the streets and is being met with use of force.
The American Iranian Council (AIC) followed the entire election process enthusiastically and was hopeful that its conclusion would advance democracy in Iran and open a new chapter in US-Iran relations. While we continue to be optimistic on both fronts, we are deeply concerned that in the absence of internal dialogue and understanding, these contests may further complicate the domestic scene and impede the United States' plan to meaningfully engage Iran.
The Iranian political elite have thus far been unable to creatively solve the problem. Standing their ground and refusing compromise, the two sides have created a potentially explosive situation. In AIC's view, a peaceful solution would require dialogue, understanding and concessions from both sides. Such a democratic approach could possibly lead to the formation of a governing coalition in which the winners and losers all participate.
The Obama administration, which initially underestimated the significance of these post-election developments, has gradually adopted tougher language demanding that the Islamic Republic respect the democratic rights of its people. However, fearing accusations of interference in Iran's domestic affairs, the Administration has misguidedly refrained from reaching out and offering support to the Iranian leadership and people.
The American Iranian Council has not traditionally taken a position on Iran's domestic politics. However, given these extraordinary events, the Council finds it necessary (and has been urged by its constituency) to express its concerns and offer a potential solution. AIC believes the approach proposed above will benefit the Iranian nation and could create a foundation for constructive engagement with the United States.
The mission of the American Iranian Council is to be a constructive force, in cooperation and partnership with other organizations, in bringing the United States and Iran together, empowering the Iranian-American community, and helping Iran to become a democratically developed country.
Iranian women played an extremely influential role in the 2009 Presidential Elections. Ironically, however, women are barred from running for the Office of President under the current Islamic Constitution.
12 June 2009: Iranians vote today in the 2009 Presidential Election. Launch Slideshow
Obama Offers New Beginning in Historic Speech
4 June 2009: President Obama addressed the Muslim world in Cairo, Egypt emphasizing a new beginning for US policy in the Middle East. View Speech Online
Interview with New York Times Columnist Roger Cohen
April 2: Kayvon Afshari conducted an interview with New York Times Columnist Roger Cohen at an American-Iranian Council Symposium at the Senate Hart Building. He discusses US-Iran relations and the Persian Jewish community in Iran.
AIC Event in Washington DC a Great Success
March 27: The Policy Symposium and Nowruz Reception (25 March) was a great success. Over 150 participants from the United States and Iran came together to discuss the US-Iran relationship. The Nowruz reception helped to bring a better understanding of Persian culture, cuisine and art to everyone, especially to the Capitol Hill participants. The AIC would like to thank everyone for helping make the debates informative and lively as well as the Nowruz celebration full of hope for a "new day." (The next AIC event is already in preliminary planning stages.)
The Policy Symposium began when Mr. Roger Cohen of the New York Times spoke about the importance of each person developing an "updated" understanding of the Iranian nation, its peoples and its potential. Mr. Cohen demonstrated an eloquence, sophistication, and thoughtfullness in speaking on par with that of his writing. Although he noted his belief that Iran had human rights issues which needed to be addressed, such as with the Bahai's, he also noted that comparisons with Nazi Germany were not only off the mark, but harmful, counterproductive and indeed dishonoring. He explained that such statements "dishonored" the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and that Iran is a far more complex, divided and nuanced power than is often portrayed. Ambassador James Dobbins (Rand Corporation) echoed many of these same points. His speech was very well received by the audience, not only due to his tremendous understanding of the history and politics of the Middle East, especially Afghanistan, but also because of his great intelligence, charm and wit. Ambassador Dobbins discussed an example of how useful Iran had been in the construction of the government in Afghanistan after the 2001 US invasion. Ambassador Dobbins noted that in his many dealings with diplomats from countries throughout the world, Iranian diplomats were among the very finest and sophisticated. (more)
The Nowruz Reception was the first Nowruz celebration ever to be held on Capitol Hill. Norouz means "new day" and marks the Spring Equinox and start of the Persian New Year (March 21st). It is an occasion to celebrate renewal and reunion. Norouz is widely celebrated by Iranians of all ideological and religious persuasions including Muslims, Jews, Christians and Baha’is. Norouz is rooted in the traditions of Zoroastrian belief system, the pre-Islamic religion of the Iranian people, and it has been celebrated by Iranians and all the major cultures of ancient Mesopotamia for over 3000 years. Dr. Masood Khatamee spoke on the history and meaning of Nowruz. Nowruz art was presented by Ms. Laurie Blum. Ms. Blum discussed her many trips to Iran as well as her hopes that art might help to bridge the distance between the two countries and their peoples.
March 20:President Barack Obama delivered a Nowruz address to the Iranian people and leadership that demonstrates a new more hopeful and respectful approach. After months of hints as to how he might approach a new relationship with Iran, President Obama gave a Nowruz address unlike any ever delivered by a U.S. President. The President extended an olive branch to the Iranian people and leadership.
While President Obama noted the relevance of certain differences, he vigorously emphasized the importance of commonalities. He quoted the Iranian poet Saadi: "the children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence." The President said that "for nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained. But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together. Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same way that we Americans mark our holidays -- by gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope."
The President also cautioned that the Iranian leadership could not move forward without focusing upon peaceful goals and methods for achieving those goals. The President said that "the United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization.
In Response, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Voices Skepticism
March 21: In a live broadcast on state television, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, who is Iran's highest spiritual, military and political authority, responded to President Obama's extraordinary Nowruz statement with skepticism. Khamenei said that "They chant the slogan of change, but no change is seen in practice. We haven't seen any change." He continued, "As long as the U.S. government continues the same policies and directions of the previous 30 years, we will be the same nation of the past 30 years...The Iranian nation can't be deceived or threatened."
While the skeptical response of Khamenei is in many ways understandable, given the difficult relations over the past 30 years, the extraordinary nature of Obama's message does provide room for hope. Obama's message should be compared to that of President Bush in 2008. The differences between the two leaders' statements are stark.
If Obama continues with messages of peace and follows those words with well-considered and positive actions, then it seems likely that a thaw in the relationship could well occur. The Iranian people and leadership should very carefully explore Obama's speech and consider whether the words are indeed empty or filled with meaning. While both Khamenei and Obama delievered words that were written with care, precision and caution, both speeches also have room for "hope" and "change." This is clearly a time requiring the leaders and peoples of both countries to take a closer look at the relationship and consider the common interests and values that do exist.
March 4: The AIC's Whitepaper, "Toward an Obama Policy for Better U.S.-Iran Relations," is now circulating broadly in the international policy community. In particular, the AIC Whitepaper is being studied by Washington's legislative and executive leaders. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) spent over one an a half hours discussing the paper with its main author, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi. At the policy symposium held in the Rayburn House Office Building on February 13th, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) announced that it was an "extraordinary work" a represented a real opportunity for peace. He further stated that he would deliver the Whitepaper to President Obama and Vice-President Biden.
Please read the Whitepaper and we welcome your comments upon it. The AIC will continue to have policy symposia focused upon the improvement of the relationship between the two countries. Whereas it is certainly understood that many serious problems confront the two countries, from divergent interests, values and visions, the AIC continues to believe that there remain many shared points of commonality that are not fully appreciated. Examples include issues related to Pakistan, terrorism, global warming, green energies, and the ill-health of the global financial system.
Dennis Kucinich: " There is no legitimate reason for the United States to engage in any action against Iran, and the Bush Administration has been doing everything it can to try to justify military action. I think it would be a grave mistake to do that. I work for peace. I’ve met with people around the world on this. There is grave concern that a military attack on Iran would destabilize the region. But there is just no question that based on numerous reports that the Administration has been slowly and steadily developing plans of attack".......(more)
AIC Events
AIC Updates
The AIC conducts and sponsors numerous events each year. We have
conferences, distinguished speakers' engagements, Congressional round table
discussions, and various celebrations.
The AIC Updates are now bi-weekly newsletters that are sent to over 30,000
of our members as well as others who are interested in the American-Iranian
relationship. If you are interested in reading past Updates, please click on one below. To subscribe to the AIC Updates, please click SUBSCRIBE.
This section brings to the forefront of our site
changes that may be of interest to our visitors. Our team of writers
and web developers keep the site constantly changing, always trying to
bring you up-to-date factual information as well as thought provoking
analytic pieces:
March 25th: The AIC will have its second policy symposium of the new year at the Senate Hart Building in Washington, D.C. However, this symposium will be followed by a very special event, the very first Norouz reception ever held on Capitol Hill. Mr. Roger Cohen of the New York Times has just returned from an extensive visit to Iran and has written many fascinating articles.
February 13th: The AIC had its first policy symposium of 2009 at the House Rayburn Building in Washington, D.C. This conference focused upon the newly elected Obama Administration and its policy options with respect to Iran. The Voice of America covered the discussions. Congressman Dennis Kucinich gave the final speech and the conference and stated that he would immediatly send the AIC's Whitepaper to President Obama and Vice-President Joseph Biden..
October 4th: The President of the AIC returns to Iran for further meetings and discussions. Of special significance will be his work in establishing the preliminary foundation on the AIC's Tehran office. Many Iranians have sent emails to our Princeton office with expressions of congratulations. There will be much work to accomplish to make this office a success. We encourage you to explore our site and learn about us, our values and principles, and our future plans. Thank you for your expressions of support. We look foward to hearing from you.
August 25th: The AIC is informed by the U.S. Government of the approval of its application to open an office in Iran. This extraordinary and unique decision was rendered by the U.S. Government's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The AIC would like to thank all of those in the OFAC, the U.S. Congress and the Executive Department who helped to make this approval possible. The AIC believes that this is a strong first step on a path that will ultimately result in a normalized relationship.
August 23: The AIC President, Executive Director and members of the Board participated in a conference held in New York city with the President of Iran, Mahmood Ahmadinejad. This is President Ahmadinejad's third trip to the U.S. The AIC believes that each of these trips to the U.S. is beneficial to the President in that he not only sees something of the country (i.e., New York City), but gets to hear and respond to a much wider array of arguments and opinions than he might otherwise confront. Many statements and questions were directed at the President. He responded to every question in a manner that demonstrated his respect for each questioner. Although not every question was answered to the satisfaction of each participant, the President did respond in an appreciative manner. The AIC believes that such an exchange is extremely beneficial to the President and to those who came with him from Iran. The educational mission of the AIC includes both Americans and Iranians, whether regular citizens or government officials.
AIC Articles
The AIC's programs exists upon a foundation of academic research. Our team of researchers, policy experts and columnists all have substantive academic backgrounds and interests. We include articles that are primarily theoretical, some that are primarily practical, and many that are combinations of the two. While the most recent ones are listed below, others may be found in the "Publications" page.
This section brings news stories together from around the world.
Although no news article can be free of biases, the careful reader can
learn to get a better picture of what is going on through a variety of
techniques. Other than an experienced and cautious eye, it is perhaps
learning to read from multiple and conflicting sources that most helps
4 August 2009: The American Iranian Council believes that the Obama Administration should continue to offer "direct talks" to Iran and that Secretary Clinton is right when she says "the time is now." Making time of the essence is the right approach to dealing with US-Iran relations. 
1 August 2009: Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi wrote to President Obama to bring his attention to the human tragedy that plane crashes have brought to the Iranian people and visitors who travel to Iran. In tune with Obama's “hope” and “change” slogans, he urged the President to help mitigate this calamity by lifting sanctions on the sale of American-made civilian planes and spare parts to Iran. 
15 July 2009: Hilary Clinton visited the Council on Foreign Relation's new headquarters in Washington, D.C. where she was invited to speak on the Obama administration's Middle East policy, including an update on Iran. 
March 27: The 
dishonoring. He explained that such statements "dishonored" the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and that Iran is a far more complex, divided and nuanced power than is often portrayed. 
March 20: 
March 21: In a live broadcast on state television, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, who is Iran's highest spiritual, military and political authority, responded to President Obama's extraordinary Nowruz statement with skepticism. Khamenei said that "They chant the slogan of change, but no change is seen in practice. We haven't seen any change." He continued, "As long as the U.S. government continues the same policies and directions of the previous 30 years, we will be the same nation of the past 30 years...The Iranian nation can't be deceived or threatened." 
March 4: The AIC's Whitepaper, "Toward an Obama Policy for Better U.S.-Iran Relations," is now circulating broadly in the international policy community. In particular, the AIC Whitepaper is being studied by Washington's legislative and executive leaders. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) spent over one an a half hours discussing the paper with its main author, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi. At the policy symposium held in the Rayburn House Office Building on February 13th, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) announced that it was an "extraordinary work" a represented a real opportunity for peace. He further stated that he would deliver the Whitepaper to President Obama and Vice-President Biden. 
Dennis Kucinich: " There is no legitimate reason for the United States to engage in any action against Iran, and the Bush Administration has been doing everything it can to try to justify military action. I think it would be a grave mistake to do that. I work for peace. I’ve met with people around the world on this. There is grave concern that a military attack on Iran would destabilize the region. But there is just no question that based on numerous reports that the Administration has been slowly and steadily developing plans of attack".......(
The AIC's programs exists upon a foundation of academic research. Our team of researchers, policy experts and columnists all have substantive academic backgrounds and interests. We include articles that are primarily theoretical, some that are primarily practical, and many that are combinations of the two. While the most recent ones are listed below, others may be found in the "