New York City, United States β Iranian businessman and activist Roozbeh Farahanipour, living approximately 7,600 miles from his native country, has stated he does not feel completely safe from potential threats. Farahanipour, a former political prisoner and founder of the Marze Por Gohar opposition group, has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government for decades.
Reports from organizations like the U.S. Department of State and human rights groups have documented a pattern of transnational repression by the Iranian government, targeting dissidents and journalists abroad through intimidation, harassment, and alleged plots. This activity has persisted in recent years, creating a climate of fear for exiles.
While the original article referenced a 'US war in Iran,' no such active, direct military conflict exists as of March 2026. Tensions, however, remain high due to issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. For dissidents, the primary concern remains the long reach of state security apparatuses, irrespective of international geopolitical tensions.
Other Iranian activists in the diaspora have echoed similar security concerns, with some reporting online harassment, threats to family members in Iran, and in rare cases, physical confrontations. The situation underscores the challenges of transnational repression in an interconnected world.
