North Carolina resident thoughts over the U.S., Israel strikes on Iran

NC, (WWAY)–“We are hoping for a minimum event of casualties,” said Beth Dehgan, as she watched the Weekend events with concern, yet cautious optimism. She’s the president of the Iranian American Community of North Carolina. Dehgan grew up in Iran, became a librarian, but grew frustrated under the regime of the last Shah of Iran who banned certain books.

“I always had to sneak books, the forbidden books, and just stick them on the shelf of the library so a student could read those books,” said Dehghan.

The Shah was deposed in the Iranian Revolution, replaced by Islamic theocracy with strict rules on religion rights and women. She fled Iran and emigrated to North Carolina, attended NC State, and started Women NC, a women’s advocacy group that has met with congressional delegations.

With news that President Trump will be in talks with the interim government, what does she hope for the future of Iran? She thinks it should include Maryam Rajavi, Iranian resistance leader, living in France, who has a 10-point plan to rebuild Iran.

“They are calling for a democratic republic and a secular Iran. For gender equality, for environmental justice, for the freedom of religion, and for the freedom of all the ethnic groups,” said Dehghan.

Events like the 1979 hostage crisis destroyed the relationship with the U.S, but Dehghan says a new Iran can offer an olive branch to the world.

“We would like to have a friendly relationship with Israel, with the United States, with Russia, and with all the countries,” said Dehghan.