War With Iran: What Iranian Americans Really Think w/ Jamal Abdi

Jamal Abdi is the National Executive Director of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), an organization that advocates for diplomacy, civil rights, and accurate representation of Iranian Americans in U.S. politics.Jamal joins us today to discuss the escalating war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He also explains the mission of NIAC and how the organization was founded.We dive into how Iranian Americans are often portrayed in mainstream media and why that narrative can be misleading. Jamal explains why the community is far more diverse in its views than many people think and why many Iranian Americans oppose foreign led regime change despite their criticisms of Iran’s current government.Jamal breaks down the political dynamics behind the conflict, including the role of U.S. policymakers, the influence of lobbying groups, and the debate inside Congress over war powers. We also discuss the different possible outcomes of the war and the possible impacts of the lack of a long term plan.We explore how American public opinion is shifting on Middle East conflicts, what lessons policymakers should have learned from the Iraq War, and why many Americans are increasingly skeptical of new military interventions.Join us today as we dive into the Iran conflict, how media narratives shape public perception, the role of U.S. politics in foreign wars, and what a more peaceful future between the United States and Iran could look like for both nations and their people.