Austin Iranians Voice Concerns Over Potential U.S. Action in Iran

Local residents with family ties to Iran react to President Trump's rhetoric and threat of further conflict.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:04am

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A cinematic painting of a lone Iranian flag hanging from a weathered flagpole in a deserted urban alleyway, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a melancholic, nostalgic atmosphere.The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran cast a somber, uncertain mood over the Iranian-American community in Austin.Austin Today

As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, two Austin residents with family connections to Iran are speaking out about their concerns over the possibility of further U.S. military action. Shahriar Ghaffari, an Iranian immigrant and local restaurant owner, and Zainab Haider, an Austin for Palestine coordinator who grew up in Iran, both expressed worries about the impact on Iranian civilians if infrastructure is damaged. Local lawmakers have also condemned President Trump's recent statements about potentially 'wiping out' Iranian civilization.

Why it matters

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised fears of a potential military conflict that could have devastating consequences for the Iranian people. Austin's Iranian-American community is closely watching the situation and speaking out about their concerns for their homeland and loved ones.

The details

Ghaffari, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in 1977, said he still has family in the country and described Iranians as a 'peaceful' people who 'have never wanted to hurt other countries or other people.' He voiced support for U.S. actions against Iran's government, but criticized Trump's rhetoric about bombing Iran 'back to the Stone Ages.' Haider, who grew up in Iran and now lives in Austin, said her relatives have tried to reassure her, telling her 'don't worry about us. We're not going to go hide.' Both expressed fears about the impact on Iranian civilians if infrastructure is damaged.

  • On Monday, Trump told reporters the Iranians were negotiating in good faith, but also said, 'They're going to have no bridges. They're going to have no power plants. Stone ages.'
  • Austin for Palestine Coalition is joining other local coalitions in hosting a protest on Wednesday at Republic Square in downtown Austin, starting at 6 p.m.

The players

Shahriar Ghaffari

The owner of Caspian Grill in North Austin, who immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1977 and still has family in the country.

Zainab Haider

An Austin for Palestine coordinator who grew up in Iran and now lives in Austin.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has issued recent rhetoric and threats towards Iran.

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What they’re saying

“'Iranian people have always been peaceful. They have always aimed high. They have never wanted to hurt other countries or other people.'”

— Shahriar Ghaffari, Restaurant Owner

“'There's a lot of fear. I worry about the family that I have.'”

— Zainab Haider, Austin for Palestine Coordinator

“'This might be Donald Trump's most dangerous and unhinged statement yet.'”

— U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Austin for Palestine Coalition is joining other local coalitions in hosting a protest on Wednesday at Republic Square in downtown Austin, starting at 6 p.m.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have sparked deep concerns within Austin's Iranian-American community, who fear the impact of potential military action on their homeland and loved ones. This situation highlights the human toll of geopolitical conflicts and the importance of diplomacy and restraint to avoid further escalation.