UW Professor Removed as Director Over Israel, Iran War Comments

Aria Fani claims he was fired for emails criticizing Zionism and the war on Iran.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A cinematic, painterly depiction of a university administration building at night, with warm, diagonal shadows and soft golden light, conveying a sense of institutional power and quiet contemplation.The quiet, solitary halls of academia conceal complex debates over academic freedom and political influence.Washington Today

A professor at the University of Washington (UW) believes he was removed from his position as director of the university's Middle East Center due to his public comments criticizing Israel's policies and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Dr. Aria Fani, an outspoken critic of the war, says he was terminated after sending lengthy emails describing Zionism as 'cancerous' and offering historical analysis of the Iran conflict that he claims 'certain constituents' found objectionable.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions around academic freedom, the influence of pro-Israel lobbying, and the challenges professors face in voicing critical perspectives on Middle East politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially at major public universities.

The details

According to Fani, he was told his emails made 'certain constituents feel attacked,' which he believes refers to Zionist supporters who want to maintain a pro-Israel narrative. Fani says his termination as director coincided with a meeting between UW President Robert Jones and right-wing media personality Ari Hoffman, who had previously criticized an event Fani had organized at the Middle East Center.

  • Fani was removed from his director position in April 2026.
  • Fani sent the emails criticizing Zionism and the Iran war earlier in 2026.

The players

Aria Fani

An associate professor at the University of Washington who was the director of the university's Middle East Center until he was removed from that position, allegedly due to his public comments criticizing Israel's policies and the Iran conflict.

Robert Jones

The president of the University of Washington.

Ari Hoffman

A right-wing local media personality who met with UW President Robert Jones and reportedly questioned Fani's leadership of the Middle East Center.

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What they’re saying

“'It's just Groundhog Day in America. That's what it feels like every day, brand new excuses. But this time will be different. This time will be different.'”

— Aria Fani, Professor

“'Yes, I was fired for improper use of the listserv. I sent out two memos about this atrocious war on Iran in which I offered historical analysis that's lacking in the media. I was told that my email made 'certain constituents feel attacked.' By certain constituents, I assume the university means Zionists who would like to keep bombing every Middle Eastern country and continue dehumanizing their people.'”

— Aria Fani, Professor

What’s next

Fani plans to continue his role as an associate professor at the University of Washington, though his future involvement with the Middle East Center remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom, pro-Israel lobbying, and the ability of professors to voice critical perspectives on Middle East politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially at major public universities where external political pressures can influence personnel decisions.