Iranian Americans in Northeast Ohio grapple with Middle East war from afar

Northeast Ohio Iranian community members react to ongoing war, talks of a ceasefire The war in Iran began just over a month ago, when airstrikes launched by the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country for more than three decades. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named successor soon after. At least 1,900 Iranians have been killed since the war began, according to Iran's Health Ministry. On the U.S. side, 13 service members were killed, and more than 300 have been injured. Efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain. The U.S. has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, but Iranian officials have rejected it, calling the terms unrealistic. Last weekend, Pakistan's foreign minister announced that his country is willing to facilitate peace talks between the two nations. But beyond the headlines, the war is being felt deeply in Northeast Ohio. The region is home to a vibrant and longstanding Iranian American community that shares its culture through traditions such as local Ramadan festivities and One World Day. This year, Cleveland also hosted its first Nowruz, or Persian New Year, celebration at City Hall. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll turn to members of that community to hear how they are processing this moment — balancing ties to their heritage, concern for loved ones abroad and life here in the U.S. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, one of our guests will be referenced by their first name only. Guests:- Mohammad Sohrabi, Northeast Ohio Resident- Hengameh Arjomandi, MBA Candidate, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University- Manouchehr, Northeast Ohio Resident Tax deadline nears Tomorrow is April, which in addition to the anticipated "April showers," means that Tax Day is approaching on April 15 — and there are some changes to take note of. For instance, a growing number of filers are facing tax refund delays amid the Internal Revenue Service's decision to phase out paper checks. And we'll talk about the change to "no tax on tips" in which some filers will be able to deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income taxes. Guest:- Alexis Kim, Tax Lawyer & Partner, Thompson Hine LLP