Iran 407

Dear Friend,

It has been a tough 24 hours for anyone who wants to see a brighter future for Iran.

Last night, the Senate passed a resolution giving U.S. support for potential Israeli military strikes against Iran. The House, meanwhile, advanced new broad sanctions that will hurt ordinary Iranians and undermine diplomacy. The forces for war are mobilizing quickly.

Meanwhile, we learned that Iran's Guardian Council excluded numerous candidates from the presidential election process. Iran’s authoritarianism is solidifying, as I wrote yesterday inHuffington Post.

The Senate action to greenlight military strikes is not binding, but it is a key and necessary step towards another disastrous war of choice. And the undemocratic actions of Iran's rulers may not be wholly unexpected, but they are another staggering sign of the regime's disregard for the aspiration of the Iranian people. 

But while these events present new challenges, we have been here before. Together.

We have stopped Congress' pro-war measures three times before. We blocked a naval blockade resolution in 2008. We halted measures greenlighting Israeli strikes in 2010 and 2012. And we forced hawks in Congress in the past year to make explicitly clear there is no lawful authorization for war with Iran. And we have stood together against the abuses of Iran's government, including during the 2009 Green Movement-led protests, and in support of the Iranian people through establishment of a UN human rights monitor, increased student visas, targeted human rights sanctions, and humanitarian sanctions relief.

Clearly the events of the past day are dispiriting. But now is not the time to give up.  

We must redouble our efforts and rise to these challenges together.

If you are still in this fight--if you are still committed to prevent war and support a brighter future for the Iranian people--today is the day we need you to show it. 

I will need you to take three steps: 

1. There is a major opportunity to impact U.S. policy and make a difference for Iranians in the near term ahead of the elections. Join us and send a letter to President Obama to tell him it is time to lift sanctions on iPhones, modems, VPNs, and other tools that people in Iran can use to connect with one another.

2. Make a tax deductible donation online of $100 or any amount that is right for you to ensure that we can sustain and win this fight! 

3. Send this email to five friends and encourage them to stand up as well!

We can't do this without you.

Sincerely,

Trita Parsi
President

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National Iranian American Council
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