Karim Sadjadpour

national interests.

And I think Iran is a very good example of a place in which American values and American interests intersect, meaning if we did have a representative democracy in Iran,

That would be fantastic for the people of Iran.

It would be fantastic for U.S.

national interests.

And I think we should try to work towards that outcome, at the same time recognizing that, you know, we don't, unfortunately, have the power to push a button and dictate our ideal outcomes.

The last time I was in Iran was 2005, and I was nearly imprisoned.

I had been based in Tehran.

I was based there with an organization called the International Crisis Group.

I was in my 20s, and...

They had taken away my passport and prohibited me from leaving the country for several months.

I was subject to interrogation, and there was a moment when I was trying to leave when a couple hours I thought I was about to be taken to prison.

Fortunately, I was allowed to leave.

And I was later warned by Iranian officials that if I go back, I would be arrested upon arrival at the airport.

And so I heeded that warning, and I haven't been back.

But many of my close friends didn't heed that warning, and some of them were taken hostage in Iran for many years.

And so, you know, Scott, you alluded to it at the beginning.

Iran has one of the most successful diasporas in the entire world.

captains of American industry, people like Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber.

These are people who are very proud of their heritage, and they would love to contribute to positive change in Iran.