North Texas Community Gathers in Plano to Commemorate 1988 Massacre Victims

September 8, 2026; IACNT

PLANO, TX — On Sunday, September 6, members of the Iranian American Community of North Texas, along with local supporters and human rights advocates, gathered at the Parr Library for a poignant photo exhibition and commemorationprogram honoring the more than 30,000 political prisoners executed during the 1988 Prison Massacre in Iran.

Ahead of the gathering, Plano Magazine covered the event, highlighting how the exhibition tends to draw direct connections between the 1988 executions and today’s widespread protests in Iran. In its coverage, the publication noted the organizers' broader mission: advocating for an end to executions in Iran and supporting the establishment of a secular, democratic republic over the country's current theocratic government or a restored monarchy.

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Iranian American Muslim Warns Of Islamic Fundamentalism, Recounts Life Under Iran’s Regime

August 20, 2026; The Dallas Express

Homeira Hesami, chairwoman of the Iranian-American Community of North Texas, speaks with The Dallas Express about Iran’s 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic and Islamic fundamentalism. | Image by The Dallas Express.

An Iranian American Muslim and former political prisoner who lived through the aftermath of Iran’s 1979 revolution sat down with The Dallas Express to discuss the rise of the Islamic Republic, the impact of Sharia-based governance on Iranians, and why she believes Islamic fundamentalism has developed into a threat extending far beyond the Middle East.

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Reza Pahlavi’s Image vs. Reality: What Reuters’ Investigation Reveals About His Leadership Bid

july 29, 2026; Iran News Update

A Reuters investigation into Reza Pahlavi’s political campaign reveals a widening gap between his democratic image and his record of leadership, coalition-building, and political effectiveness.

For years, Reza Pahlavi has presented himself as the figure best positioned to guide Iran through a democratic transition. Describing himself as neither a politician seeking office nor a claimant to power, he has instead portrayed himself as a unifying bridge capable of bringing together the country’s fragmented opposition before handing Iran’s future over to its people.

A recent Reuters special report, however, presents a far more complicated picture.

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Hanged under the cover of war: letters and videos tell stories of Iran’s death row victims

April 25, 2026; The Guardian

Testimony emerges from Babak Alipour, who spent three years on death row before being taken to gallows in March

Writing from his cell in the Rajai Shahr prison in the northern Iranian city of Karaj, Babak Alipour wanted to tell his friends about those who had already gone to their execution.

There was Behrouz Ehsani, 69, the elder statesman of the group, who was “never angry” about their predicament. Then there was Mehdi Hassani, a 48-year-old father of three who he saw a couple of times in the prison hospital and who would ask him to pass on to the children the message that he was “fine”. 

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CPAC revealed: A sample of Reza Pahlavi’s ‘Free Iran’ via SAVAK control

Dallas, Texas, March 31, 2026

Reza Pahlavi talks democracy, but his supporters shout monarchy. From 'Shah is Eternal' chants to the proud display of SAVAK symbols—the Shah’s brutal secret police—the movement’s actions contradict its leader's words. Can a 'democratic' transition be built on the symbols of past torture and repression?

CPAC’s recent convention was held in Grapevine, Texas, this past week, with hundreds of Pahlavi’s own crowd present just for his speech, making noise and leaving immediately. The event gave a realistic scene of what Pahlavi stands for and who his base is.

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