About the Iranian American Republican Council (IARC)

Our Mission

The Iranian American Republican Council (IARC) is dedicated to empowering Iranian-Americans to actively engage in the political process, advocate for Republican values, and promote freedom and democracy both in the United States and abroad. We strive to ensure that the voice of the Iranian-American community is heard and respected in the political arena, and we work tirelessly to support policies that reflect our shared commitment to liberty, individual responsibility, and a strong national defense.

Our History

The IARC was born out of a pivotal moment in May 1988 when a group of newly sworn-in Iranian-American citizens decided to fully embrace their new civic responsibilities. After careful consideration of the political landscape, they found that the values of the Republican Party resonated most closely with their own cultural and moral beliefs. This group took the initiative to form task forces across various states and counties in the United States, each dedicated to fostering political engagement within the Iranian-American community.

With their commitment to Republican principles firmly established, these task forces sought and obtained a charter from the Republican Party, officially becoming chapters of the IARC. The organization quickly gained momentum and support from prominent figures, including President Ronald Reagan, who became the first Honorary Member of the IARC. This endorsement was followed by Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham, then Vice Chairman of the Orange County Republican Party, who became the second Honorary Member.

Under the leadership of successive chairmen, including Mr. Ali Razi, Mr. Akbar Lari, Mr. Ali Pirnia, Hon. Bijan R. Kian, Mr. Farhood Malek, and Mr. Koroush Hangafarin, the IARC grew into a vital force in American politics. The organization played an instrumental role in supporting Republican candidates and policies, and it was a founding member of the "Citizens by Choice" Committee within the Republican Party.

For nearly two decades, the IARC was a beacon of political activism, with its chapters actively participating in elections at all levels—presidential, gubernatorial, county, city, and board elections. The organization’s influence was felt nationwide, as it worked to ensure that the Iranian-American community had a meaningful impact on the direction of the country.

In 2006, after four consecutive terms as National Chairman, Hon. Bijan R. Kian stepped down to join the administration of President George W. Bush in a senior government position, marking a new chapter in the IARC’s history. The organization continued its mission, adapting to the changing political landscape and reaffirming its commitment to its core values.

Our Vision

Looking ahead, the IARC is focused on revitalizing its chapters across the nation and expanding its reach within the Iranian-American community. In a time of deep political division, we believe it is more important than ever to stand together and advocate for the principles that unite us as American citizens. We invite all Iranian-Americans who share our values to join us in shaping a brighter future for our community and our country.

Get Involved

Whether you’re interested in joining a local chapter, volunteering your time, or simply learning more about our work, we welcome you to be a part of the IARC. Together, we can make a difference.