Santa Barbara Business Owner with Iranian Roots Reacts to Ceasefire

Ray Merpour, who came to the U.S. as a fighter pilot trainee under the Shah of Iran, expresses concerns over the situation in his home country.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:36am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary figure standing outside a gas station, the scene bathed in warm sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the personal impact of geopolitical tensions on an Iranian-American business owner.A Santa Barbara gas station owner with Iranian roots reflects on the ceasefire between the U.S. and his home country, caught between two worlds.Santa Barbara Today

Ray Merpour, a Santa Barbara business owner with Iranian roots, shares his perspective on the recent ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Merpour, who first came to America as a fighter pilot trainee under the Shah of Iran, now owns a gas, propane, and smog business in Goleta with his wife Nasrin. Despite being able to communicate with family back home, Merpour expresses concerns about the ongoing tensions and the potential for further conflict, stating he was "very concerned" about the prospect of the U.S. bombing Iran as threatened by the President.

Why it matters

The story provides a local angle on the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the personal impact on a Santa Barbara business owner with deep ties to both countries. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by Iranian-Americans in communicating with loved ones back home and the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire.

The details

Merpour, who speaks four languages, first came to the U.S. as a fighter pilot trainee under the Shah of Iran. He and his wife Nasrin now own a gas, propane, and smog business in Goleta. While they can communicate with family in Iran, including Merpour's sister, they are unable to discuss politics or the details of the ceasefire, as their loved ones fear repercussions. Merpour expresses relief over the ceasefire but remains concerned about the potential for renewed conflict, particularly given Israel's opposition to the truce.

  • The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran followed the President's deadline and threats.

The players

Ray Merpour

A Santa Barbara business owner with Iranian roots who first came to the U.S. as a fighter pilot trainee under the Shah of Iran. He now owns a gas, propane, and smog business in Goleta with his wife Nasrin.

Nasrin Merpour

Ray Merpour's wife, who is originally from Tabriz, Iran. Together, they own a gas, propane, and smog business in Goleta, California.

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What they’re saying

“I was training here, I love America it is the best country in the world.”

— Ray Merpour, Santa Barbara Business Owner

“They can call but they cannot talk politics at all they say it everybody is okay and even though I hear it in the news that they bombed my hometown but they cannot say anything they don't.”

— Ray Merpour, Santa Barbara Business Owner

“I was very concerned, I really don't like the war, the people situation in Iran is bad, if Donald Trump was bombing what he was telling to do it was be a disaster in Iran, and I was very very concerned.”

— Ray Merpour, Santa Barbara Business Owner

“I feel better but again it looks like the ceasefire is not going to happen because Israeli don't like to stop bombing Lebanon.”

— Ray Merpour, Santa Barbara Business Owner

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal impact of geopolitical tensions on Iranian-Americans like Ray Merpour, who must navigate the complexities of communicating with loved ones back home while also grappling with the uncertainty and potential consequences of renewed conflict between the U.S. and Iran.