ABOUT NIAC
A community-powered movement for peace, rights, and dignity.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is the largest grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and political power of Iranian Americans. Since our founding in 2002, we have worked to ensure that our community has a seat at the table to shape the policies that impact our lives, from diplomacy and preventing war and sanctions, to protecting civil rights and the safety of our families here at home.
NIAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing research, education, and community-building to inform and empower Iranian Americans. Our sister organization, NIAC Action, is a 501(c)(4) that mobilizes voters, volunteers, and political power to advance policies rooted in peace, human rights, and equity.
For Iranian Americans, the personal is political. Decisions made in Washington about war, sanctions, immigration, and civil liberties, directly determine whether our families are safe, our rights are protected, and our community is treated with dignity. NIAC exists to make sure these decisions reflect our values, not the interests of war lobbies or fear-based politics.
Our Mission
We work to prevent war, protect the rights of Iranian Americans, and build a future in which our community has the power to shape the policies that shape our lives.
We envision a world where peace is prioritized over conflict, where civil rights are upheld for all, and where the voices of Iranian Americans are heard–and heeded–in American civic life.
Our Pillars
For decades, Washington has defaulted to sanctions, isolation, and threats — policies that harm ordinary people, fracture families, fuel discrimination at home, and bring us to the brink of catastrophic war. NIAC stands for a different path: one rooted in diplomacy, dialogue, and common-sense solutions.
- Prevent another devastating war between the U.S. and Iran
- Support U.S. diplomacy to reduce tensions, advance peace, and uphold human rights
- Counter the influence of war lobbies and extremist groups pushing for confrontation
The portrayal of Iran and Iranians as “the enemy” has fueled discrimination against Iranian Americans for decades. From ICE raids to banking discrimination, travel bans, and racial profiling, our community is too often treated as suspect rather than as citizens and neighbors.
- Challenging discriminatory policies and practices
- Fighting for equitable immigration and humane border policies
- Providing trusted information to lawmakers on how sanctions and security measures impact our community
- Protecting the rights and safety of all marginalized communities
Change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when everyday people organize, engage, and build lasting political power. NIAC mobilizes Iranian Americans across the country to make their voices heard.
- Meet with their elected officials
- Advocate on legislation and policy
- Celebrate our culture and build our community
- Shape more accurate portrayals of Iranian Americans and Iranians
How We Work
Our approach bridges education, advocacy, and political power:
We provide trusted analysis on U.S.–Iran relations, sanctions, foreign policy, civil rights, and immigration. Policymakers rely on NIAC for accurate, nuanced information that centers the lived experience of our community.
We equip Iranian Americans with the tools, information, and community support needed to engage in civic life — whether that’s contacting Congress, participating in town halls, or understanding how policies affect their families.
We advocate, organize, and build electoral power to advance diplomacy, civil rights, and justice. We support candidates who reject war, oppose discrimination, and champion the priorities of our community.
We challenge disinformation, expose war propaganda, and amplify the voices of Iranian Americans in national media. We make sure the narrative includes us — not just those who speak over or against us.
Accomplishments
20+ years of impact for Iranian Americans.
NIAC has grown to become the largest Iranian-American grassroots organization in the country, and emerged as a trusted source for elected officials, policymakers, and the media on U.S.–Iran relations.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Trust is foundational to everything we do. NIAC is funded by thousands of individual Iranian Americans and a small number of American foundations. We do not receive funds from any government — U.S., Iranian, or otherwise.
We publish our financials, board governance, and policy positions openly, and we are proud recipients of the 2023 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.
NIAC is a community-powered movement. Whether you want to protect civil rights, stop the march toward war, or build political power for our community, you have a place here.
Together, we can build a future rooted in peace, dignity, and justice.