Statement on Threats against Iranian-American Experts and Activists

February 4, 2026 – The Center for International Policy issued the following statement in response to increasing online harassment and threats against Iranian-American experts and activists:

“The Center for International Policy is appalled by the campaign of online harassment and threats against experts and activists in the field of US-Iran relations who have voiced concerns or provided expert analysis about the consequences of further US or Israeli military strikes on Iran, or who support diplomacy to address areas of conflict and disagreement with Iran.

A January 30th panel cosponsored by CIP and featuring our Senior Fellow Negar Mortazavi had to be changed from an in-person event to online-only following a set of emails to the hosts and panelists terroristically threatening them with “consequences far beyond inconvenience or protest” and “grave danger” to the “safety and security” of all attendees.

Such attempts to intimidate and stoke fears of violence are the antithesis of liberty and democracy. They are the same tactics used by the Iranian regime and other authoritarians to suppress freedom of ideas and speech.

CIP expresses its solidarity and support for our Iranian-American colleagues and other analysts, activists or journalists facing these repugnant and sometimes criminal attacks. We continue to be deeply grateful for their critical contributions toward justice and human security for the Iranian people and all in the region.”