- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Iranian Americans Confront Pro-Regime Socialists in D.C. Protest
Diaspora activists accuse far-left groups of amplifying propaganda that favors Iran's clerical rulers
Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:05pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In a confrontation on the streets of Washington, D.C., hundreds of Iranian Americans supporting regime change in Iran marched toward a smaller group of pro-China socialists gathered across from the White House, backing the radical clerics leading Iran. The Iranian Americans accused the far-left activists of parroting pro-regime messages from the Chinese Communist Party and promoting the interests of the People's Republic of China.
Why it matters
The clash reflects a broader struggle unfolding not only in Iran but also in the West, as members of the Iranian diaspora increasingly challenge far-left activists they accuse of amplifying propaganda that favors the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers. These tensions have deep historical roots, dating back to the 1960s when communists and radical Muslims formed an 'unholy alliance' against efforts to modernize and secularize Iran.
The details
The Iranian Americans were part of a fledgling group called the National Solidarity Group for Iran, while the far-left activists had assembled under bright green and yellow signs reading 'STOP WAR IN IRAN.' However, a Fox News Digital analysis found that the organizers are funded by an American-born tech tycoon in Shanghai and include groups like the People's Forum Inc., the ANSWER Coalition, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, CodePink Women for Peace, and the Democratic Socialists of America.
- Last weekend, the far-left activists coordinated demonstrations in 63 cities across 29 states and Washington, D.C., using identical signs, chants and protest infrastructure.
- This weekend, the Iranian Americans took to the streets again to confront the socialists.
The players
Jay Gorbani
An Iranian American who held his Labradoodle puppy, Bella, while marching with the National Solidarity Group for Iran.
Reza Rezavi
An engineer from Rockville, Maryland, and a volunteer with DCProtests4Iran, a group that supports Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Iranian leader, as the leader of a new transitional government.
Neville Roy Singham
An American-born tech tycoon based in Shanghai who is funding the network of far-left groups organizing the pro-regime protests.
Medea Benjamin
The co-founder of CodePink who arrived with a new protest banner to join the far-left activists.
Olivia DiNucci
The DC coordinator for CodePink who arrived with Medea Benjamin.
What they’re saying
“We are here for freedom of Iran.”
— Jay Gorbani, Iranian American
“We are against the religious mafia regime of Iran.”
— Jay Gorbani, Iranian American
“Those people are supporting terrorists. We are against them.”
— Anonymous Iranian American
“We do not support the regime.”
— Siamak Aran, Organizer, National Solidarity Group for Iran
“I'd rather not talk about it.”
— Medea Benjamin, Co-founder, CodePink
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
