AIC President Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi discussed the lifting of sanctions and the need for the US and Iran to improve relations, in an interview with Russia Today.

"Unfortunately, the 'honeymoon' between the US and Iran is going to end unless they move swiftly to normalize the relationship and discuss every other issue," Amirahmadi said. "The nuclear accord within the context of an abnormal relationship cannot be sustained much longer. Moreover, President Rouhani and Supreme Leader Khamenei have put all their eggs in Obama's basket, but he is only going to be around for another 11 months. The next president, whoever it is, is going to be very tough on Iran."

AIC Executive Director Emad Kiyaei was interviewed about Implementation Day, the recent release of American sailors, and the prisoner swap between the US and Iran on PBS Newshour.

"This is a major breakthrough. It's a very good day for the Iranians and for the international community," Kiyaei said. "I hope that this nuclear deal, the prisoner exchange, and the swift release of the sailors is just one step toward opening up the relationship between the two countries on issues where they see eye-to-eye.

AIC Director of Communications Kayvon Afshari discussed the visa waiver issue ("HR158") on Brooklyn's BRIC TV, a newly-launched community television station in Brooklyn. He argued that the addition of Iran in the law is both discriminatory and fails to improve national security.

He elaborated on the reason that he is personally opposed to the law.

"Sometimes people say that this law just produces a small inconvenience, and that you should just apply for a visa. However, to me it's not about the inconvenience. I'm affronted by the implication of the law." he said. "And the implication is this: that I, because I am an Iranian-American dual citizen and have traveled to Iran, just may perhaps be a terrorist."

AIC Executive Director Emad Kiyaei speaks to Al Jazeera America on Iran's inclusion in talks over resolving the Syrian crisis taking place in Vienna

AIC President Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi spoke to Voice to America on the approaching nuclear deadline. Dr. Amirahmadi believes that a "comprehensive deal" will not be finalized, but that there will be an extension and both parties will announce progress has been made.

Dr. Amirahmadi added, "I cannot see a normalization on the nuclear dispute, while Iran and the U.S. have no normal relations.

AIC Founder Dr. Amirahmadi discusses with Russia Today the recent revelation of the virus used to spy on the P5+1 nuclear negotiations, which he believes is of Israeli origin. He says that Israel would have been especially interested in the "positions of the parties" as well as private negotiations between just the United States and Iran.

Originally Published on Voice of America

By Ambassador Thomas Pickering
AIC Honorary Board Member

The effort by the United States and Cuba to bridge gaps caused by more than 50 years of mutual hostility will require a heavy emphasis on relationship-building, says a former high-ranking State Department official.

AIC Executive Director, Emad Kiyaei, discusses the details of the framework agreement and implications it may have for the near future.

In an exclusive interview with HuffPost Live, AIC Executive Director, Emad Kiyaei, noted that the nuclear framework deal is a testament to diplomacy and paved a path for world powers to avoid a military confrontation with Iran.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera America’s Ali Velshi, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, discusses what it takes to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.

In an exclusive interview with Russia Today, Founder and President of the American Iranian Council, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, says he is, "50/50" and that "an agreement may not be sustained", when asked if he believes that Iran will reach a nuclear deal with world powers at the end of March. 

AIC Executive Director Emad Kiyaei told BBC Radio 5 Live that, “We are the closest to a nuclear deal with all parties on board.” He added that a nuclear deal will be “profound for the domestic politics in Iran and provide the environment for socioeconomic and political reform.”

Originally published in The Daily Progress

By R.K. Ramazani
Honorary AIC Board Member

In the title of a March 12 editorial, The New York Times was right to deplore what it called "Republican Idiocy on Iran." By writing an astonishing letter directly to Iran without President Obama's knowledge, 47 senators attempted to sabotage the deal being negotiated between Iran and the 5+1 powers (U.S., Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany) to restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera America, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, President of the American Iranian Council, expresses his cautious optimism regarding the nuclear negotiations. He points out that two crucial issues remain, which include the extent of sanctions relief and the degree of nuclear research and development that Iran can undertake.

When asked if sanctions removal is Iran's biggest incentive to negotiate, Dr. Amirahmadi said, "Particularly sanctions on banking because that's really the killer. You could remove all sanctions on Iran except for banking and it wouldn't make a difference."

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera America, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, President of the American Iranian Council, asserts that while there has been some cooperation on various fronts between the U.S. and Iran, a nuclear deal is vital for maintaining any progress that has already been made.

When asked whether President Rouhani or Obama has a harder time selling the deal, Dr. Amirahmadi said, "I think President Obama. Because in Iran you have a central figure named Ayatollah Khamenei and everyone will listen to him in the final analysis."

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera America, Emad Kiyaei, Executive Director of the American Iranian Council, urges the international community to begin a dialogue with Syria's Bashar Al-Assad to avoid a protracted conflict. He also added that a viable solution cannot be reached without having Iran at the table.

Mr. Kiyaei goes on to point out that the focus on IS or Daesh has sidelined the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis taking place in Syria.

AIC Executive Director Emad Kiyaei discussed the latest IAEA report  on the 'possible military dimensions' (PMDs) of Iran's nuclear program. He says that the timing may be meant to derail the talks.

AIC President Hooshang Amirahmadi sat down with AJAM's Tony Harris to talk about the ongoing nuclear negotiations as well as Senator Menendez announcing that he will delay introducing his sanctions bill until after the deadline for a political framework.

Professor Hooshang Amirahmadi, AIC President, Prof. at Rutgers University, speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: The Changing Middle East, New Challenges, Players and US-Iran Relations. Prof. Amirahmadi discusses "American Iranian Council and US-Iran Relations."

Colonel David Crist, Senior Advisor to the Commander of US CENTCOM, US Department of Defense, speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: The Changing Middle East, New Challenges, Players and US-Iran Relations. Colonel Crist discusses "US-Iran Relations: Miscommunication and False Starts."

In order to educate the public ahead of the consequential April 19 New York State primary election, the AIC and Marymount Manhattan College invited Dr. James Zogby, a surrogate for the Sanders campaign, and Mr. Richard Nephew, an advisor to the Clinton campaign, to speak at a major event. Each speaker outlined his candidate's Middle East foreign policy and took questions from the audience.

The topics they covered included the nuclear accord, sanctions, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, America's relationship with Saudi Arabia, the fight against ISIS, the Syrian civil war, and the prospect for normalized US-Iran relations.

The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran has often been referred to as a regional Cold War. Their open hostility significantly increased as a result of the recent execution of Shi’a cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. With this tension in mind, the AIC and Marymount Manhattan College will feature a discussion with Dr. David Ottaway to explore the sources of the conflict and the prospects for reconciliation.

The Iran nuclear deal has stirred much debate and controversy in the United States over the last two months. Seyed Hossein Mousavian and Emad Kiyaei, two Iranians, teamed up to shed light on the nuclear deal and Iran’s perspective on the global landscape.

Mousavian, a former diplomat and Iranian nuclear negotiator, and Kiyaei, executive director of the American-Iranian Council, were the final morning lecturers of Week Eight, “The Middle East Now and Next.” Mousavian is a pro-U.S. Iranian and the co-author of Iran and the United States, An Insider’s View on the Failed Past and the Road to Peace, which was published last year and chronicles U.S.-Iran relations from 1856 to the present day

AIC's Honorary Board Member Amb. Thomas Pickering recently addressed a large group of students at Hamilton College on the nuclear accord and US-Iran relations. Amb. Pickering is one of the nation's premier former diplomats and a strong supporter of improved US-Iran relations.

"There are many other questions in the region that are of interest to Iran and the United States," Amb. Pickering said. "Interestingly enough, the Iranians and the US are both in agreement fundamentally that Afghanistan should not be in hands of the Taliban government; that neither Iraq nor Syria should be taken over by the Islamic State. That is important because that provides the beginning of an ability to try to build with our foreign policy toward regional balance and stability, to help move in a secure way in a situation now fraught with difficulties and dangers."

On Monday, September 28, 2015, students, faculty, staff, and guests gathered on campus for an informative and in-depth discussion on the Iran Nuclear Deal. With many developments related to the nuclear issue ongoing, the Department of International Studies at Marymount Manhattan College and the American Iranian Council were honored to host such an important discussion at a crucial time.

The fourth biannual PeaceGame simulation tackled the issue of the global rise of radical groups and violent extremism. AIC Executive Director Emad Kiyaei was invited to participate in the simulation and take on the role of an Iranian official.

"We need to think about a long-term vision for the Middle East, perhaps with broader regional collaboration and dialogue that creates something like the post-WWII sequences that led to the European Union," Mr. Kiyaei said.

AIC Policy Advisor Dr. Alidad Mafinezam gave an address on Capitol Hill at an event hosted by the National Council on US-Arab Relations on the Iranian nuclear deal. Dr. Mafinezam argued that the Gulf states should welcome an Iranian nuclear deal because it will reduce Iran’s threat perception that revolves around the United States.

AIC Conference at the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. Speakers include, Senator Bennett Johnston, Professor Shireen Hunter and Ambassador John Limbert.

“New Leadership in Tehran: Time for Rapprochement?” sponsored by the George Washington University International Affairs Society and the American Iranian Council, was held at at the university’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

Professor Richard Bulliet speaks at an AIC Conference at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.

Ambassador William Miller speaks at an AIC Conference at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.

Ambassador Robert Hunter speaks at an AIC Conference at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.

AIC Conference at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, featuring Professor Richard Bulliet and Ambassadors Robert Hunter and William Miller.

During the last three decades, the United States and Iran, despite continued animosity, have on many occasions tried to negotiate, and at times have even come together on a negotiation table. However, none of these attempts could be sustained and today both countries struggle to engage substantially on the issues that divide them.

Ambassador James Dobbins, Director, RAND International Security and Defense Policy Center speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: Breaking the Impasse Between Iran and the United States. Amb. James Dobbins discusses Opening Address: Coping with a Nuclearizing Iran.

Professor Paul Pillar, Former National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: Breaking the Impasse Between Iran and the United States.  Prof. Paul Pillar discusses The Nuclear Weapons Issue in Perspective.

Professor Hooshang Amirahmadi, President, American Iranian Council speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: Breaking the Impasse Between Iran and the United States. Prof. Hooshang Amirahmadi, discusses Nuclear Talks: A Huge Commotion for What?

Mr. Hooman Majd, Author, Journalist, and commentator on Iranian affairs speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: Breaking the Impasse Between Iran and the United States. Mr. Hooman Majd, discusses "Misunderestimating" Iran.

Ambassador Robert Hunter, Former US Ambassador to NATO speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: Breaking the Impasse Between Iran and the United States. Amb. Robert Hunter discusses Closing Address: US-Iran: Changing the Dynamics.

AIC Conference at Georgetown University's Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, featuring Ambassadors Robert Hunter and James Dobbins, Professor Paul Pillar and Mr. Hooman Majd.

Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi argues that it has almost become impossible for the U.S. and Iran to maintain the status quo, which Dr. Amirahmadi calls a no war, no peace stalemate.

In this panel, speakers will discuss some of the key forces competing for power in Iran's upcoming parliamentary elections. The March 2012 elections for the ninth parliament since the Islamic Revolution in Iran will take place under the shadow of international sanctions and the threat of war.

In this panel, speakers will discuss some of the key forces competing for power in Iran's upcoming parliamentary elections. The March 2012 elections for the ninth parliament since the Islamic Revolution in Iran will take place under the shadow of international sanctions and the threat of war.

Recent developments in the Middle East have changed the context of US-Iran relations. While past grievances remain, this transformation has given rise to new opportunities as well as constraints. Mr. Emad Kiyaei, AIC Executive Director, spoke at AIC panel discussion looking at possible direction in the US-Iran relations.

Recent developments in the Middle East have changed the context of US-Iran relations. While past grievances remain, this transformation has given rise to new opportunities as well as constraints. 

This panel discussion brought together leading experts and scholars to take a fresh look at possible direction in the US-Iran relations. Specifically, the event assessed whether U.S.-Iran relations will move towards confrontation or change course toward accommodation.

Recent developments in the Middle East have changed the context of US-Iran relations. While past grievances remain, this transformation has given rise to new opportunities as well as constraints. This panel discussion brought together leading experts and scholars to take a fresh look at possible direction in the US-Iran relations.

Recent developments in the Middle East have changed the context of US-Iran relations. While past grievances remain, this transformation has given rise to new opportunities as well as constraints. Dr. Marvin Zonis, AIC Board & Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at University of Chicago, spoke at AIC panel discussion looking at possible direction in the US-Iran relations.

Recent developments in the Middle East have changed the context of US-Iran relations. While past grievances remain, this transformation has given rise to new opportunities as well as constraints. Dr. Scott Hibbard, Professor of Political Science at DePaul University, spoke at AIC panel discussion looking at possible direction in the US-Iran relations.

Admiral William J.Fallon, Former Commander of U.S. Central Command, speaking at the joint conference of AIC and ACMCU titled: The Changing Middle East, New Challenges, Players and US-Iran Relations. Admiral J. Fallon, discusses "The Changing Middle East and Implications for US-Iran Relations ."