Iranian Restaurateur Shares Feelings on US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Baltimore County business owner expresses hope for change in his home country after attack

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Baltimore County restaurant owner who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in 1976 spoke to WBAL-TV about his reaction to the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying he hopes the attack on the Iranian regime will lead to positive change and allow him to safely return to his home country.

Why it matters

The strikes on Iran have sparked debate over the U.S. strategy and the potential consequences. This story provides a personal perspective from an Iranian immigrant living in the Baltimore area, offering insight into how some in the Iranian-American community are responding to the attacks on their home country.

The details

Shahpour Talaahmary, the owner of House of Kabob restaurant in Baltimore County, came to the U.S. for school nearly 50 years ago, shortly before the Iranian Revolution. Talaahmary said he has long wished to return to Iran but has been unable to do so safely under the current regime. However, he expressed hope that the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, which killed the Supreme Leader, could lead to positive change that would allow him to visit his homeland.

  • Talaahmary immigrated to the U.S. in 1976, shortly before the Iranian Revolution.
  • The U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on Iran in early 2026.

The players

Shahpour Talaahmary

The owner of House of Kabob restaurant in Baltimore County, Maryland, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in 1976.

Johnny Olszewski

A Maryland Congressman who criticized President Trump's decision to attack Iran without a clear strategy.

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What they’re saying

“No matter how long you're here. But you always think about your motherland. Iran is always going to be my heart. And my only wish is to be able to go back.”

— Shahpour Talaahmary, Restaurant Owner (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Any time we have military action, it is one of the most consequential decisions an American president can make. And this is an instance where, yet again, President Trump has gone to war or potentially at war after promising not to without any justification or argument really given to the American people or the Congress.”

— Johnny Olszewski, Maryland Congressman (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

Talaahmary said he has tried to contact his family in Iran, but the internet is currently down, so he has been unable to check on their well-being following the attacks.

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal impact the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have had on Iranian-Americans, with the restaurant owner expressing hope that the attack on the regime could lead to positive change that would allow him to safely return to his homeland after decades of being unable to do so.