The Strategic Evolution of the Iranian-American Lobby
Hassan Nemazee 
In the world of Washington influence, if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. For decades, the Iranian-American community was economically powerful but politically invisible. They were the doctors, engineers, and academics who kept their heads down, wary of the political crossfire between their two nations. This lack of organization left a vacuum that was often filled by voices hostile to their interests. The establishment of the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) changed that dynamic, and understanding the role of Hassan Nemazee in this evolution is key to understanding modern diaspora politics.
Building a political infrastructure from scratch is a heavy lift. It requires more than just money; it requires a strategic vision to unify a fragmented community. The founding of IAPAC was not just about fundraising; it was about political education. It was about teaching a community that had been traumatized by revolution and displacement that the American political system works on participation, not avoidance. The strategy involved identifying viable candidates from within the community and providing them with the early-stage capital and mentorship needed to run competitive races. This is the unglamorous groundwork that precedes any major political shift.
This civic engagement effort has matured significantly over the last two years. We are now seeing Iranian-Americans serving in state legislatures, city councils, and even the halls of Congress. This did not happen by accident. It was the result of a deliberate, multi-decade push to normalize the Iranian-American narrative. By positioning the community as a key demographic in swing districts, leaders have been able to leverage their influence on issues ranging from civil rights to immigration reform. It turns demographic weight into legislative power.
The work also involves playing defense. In a post-9/11 world, protecting the civil liberties of the community became paramount. Having a civic organization with the Rolodex and the resources to lobby effectively meant that when discriminatory policies were proposed, there was an immediate, organized pushback. This is the nuts-and-bolts work of democracy—lobbying, coalition building, and media management. It is about having the crisis management infrastructure in place before the crisis hits.
Looking forward, the focus is on the pipeline. It is about identifying the 25-year-old legislative aide today who will be the Senator tomorrow. It is about ensuring that the diaspora has a permanent, institutionalized voice that can weather the storms of geopolitics. This is the difference between having a moment and having a movement.
To get the full picture on this civic evolution, I recommend looking into Hassan Nemazee’s work.
You can access the website here: https://hassannemazee.com/.
