Supportive legislation needed to make best use of Iranian expats’ potential
By Nasrollah Pezhmanfar
Iranian lawmaker
The 12-day imposed war waged by the Zionist regime of Israel against Iran in June carried many lessons and consequences. Chief among its outcomes was the strengthening of national unity inside the country and the forging of cohesion among Iranians across the globe.
The war proved that while Iranians—whether at home or abroad—may have their differences and disagreements on certain issues, when it comes to patriotism, they stand united and speak with one voice. The experience deepened the bonds between individuals and groups of different political views and leanings, showing that love for the homeland is a shared and unshakable value among all Iranians.
It became clear that Iranians, both within and beyond the country’s borders, have always stood shoulder to shoulder. Contrary to the expectations of some, who assumed that segments of the diaspora might, due to political differences, fall in line with the enemy, every one of them condemned the aggressions of the Israeli regime and the United States. They declared solidarity with the people inside Iran in the face of foreign powers. These reactions became a clear symbol of the deep connection between Iranians and their motherland.
Some had thought that Iranians living in the West—under the influence of governments that are often supportive of the Zionist regime—might side with Iran’s adversaries, especially given that some had acquired the citizenship of those countries. In such a political climate, they were expected to echo anti-Iran positions during the war. Yet the reality proved otherwise: their profound attachment to Iran and their deep patriotism meant that, when threats arose, they stood firmly behind their compatriots at home—regardless of geography or nationality.
This unity among Iranians inside and outside the country is rooted in a strong national identity, in the historical memory of previous generations regarding foreign intervention, and in a collective aversion to external interference. These factors naturally bring them together in moments of crisis. A look at Iran’s history shows that unity has always grown stronger in times of threat or war, with the people defending their culture and homeland against foreign incursion.
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