Metro Atlanta Iranian Americans anxious for peace as Middle East conflict escalates

Iranian Americans in metro Atlanta are watching developments closely as tensions escalate in the Middle East, not just as international news but as deeply personal experiences that hit close to home.

"My first reaction is always worry about my family," Ashkan Famili said. "You worry about your loved ones, and you really worry about the entire region."

Famili is the owner of Yalda, a Persian restaurant in Sandy Springs. He said his thoughts are not on tonight's dinner rush. They are with his family thousands of miles away in Iran.

Famili, who has owned Yalda with his family for years, said his father and extended relatives are still in Iran, and reaching them has been difficult because of communication disruptions.

"It's been difficult," he said. "I have not been able to. It's like quick moments that I can reach them … but we are in touch with them as much as we can."

Famili said he grew up in Iran before moving to the U.S. in 2007. The last time he visited home was nearly two decades ago. Since then, he has missed important family moments, including funerals for his grandmother and two great aunts, due to complications with travel.

"I wasn't able to go back home … and really be there for my family," he said. "That hurts."

Fear goes beyond personal separation for many in Atlanta's Iranian American community. Batool Zamani, president of the Iranian American Community of Georgia, said many are concerned about the safety of civilians caught in the conflict.

"… Especially the older people and young children… what will happen to them?" Zamani said.

Zamani stressed that the community wants the world to understand that ordinary Iranians are anxious for peace and stability.

Despite the fear, Famili said many Iranians, both in the U.S. and abroad, remain hopeful for change and greater freedoms.

"In a sense, yes, we want change," he said. "We just want to be heard."

For now, Famili continues to run his restaurants while keeping one eye on the news and his phone, hoping the next call from home brings reassurance rather than fear.

"It's about safety for my family," he said.

Some Iranian Americans in metro Atlanta said their phones were buzzing as events unfolded overseas, and now many are anxiously waiting for the next message from family back home.

"It's been, like, both very exciting at the same time," Mayra Yazdari said. "We're worried… It's kind of like an emotional roller coaster."

Yazdari, who has lived in the United States for nine years, said the first hours were filled with texts and calls from relatives and friends inside Iran.

But she said internet disruptions have made communication spotty, leaving many here checking their phones and hoping messages get through.

She said friends inside Iran have told her they are ready for change.

"So, what I hear from close friends is, we are willing to go back to the streets, but we need help," Yazdari said.

Others in Atlanta's Iranian American community said their concern right now is for civilians caught in the middle.

For Yazdari, the uncertainty is deeply personal.

She said she hopes one day she can safely return to Iran and see her family again.

"We are hoping that we can go back, at least see our families, see our relatives, see our friends, see the country and help to build the country for the next generation," she said.

Until then, she said she will continue watching the news and waiting for the next text from home.