Iranian-Canadians Fear Regime Could Still Survive

Mar 11, 2026

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Watching coverage of the war in Iran can feel complicated, distant, and hard to follow. We see reports about strikes on military targets, escalating tensions, and global powers trying to prevent a wider conflict. But for millions of people around the world (and tens of thousands in Canada), this story isn’t abstract. It’s personal.

In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, we’re joined by three Iranian-Canadians from our home city of Edmonton: Reza Akbari, Pegah Salari, and Nooran Ostadeian (4:00). Each has deep ties to Iran. Each has friends or family who are still there. And like many in the Iranian diaspora, they know speaking publicly can come with real risks for the people they love.

For them—and for many others—the biggest fear right now isn’t just the bombs falling on military targets. It’s what might happen if the regime survives this crisis. They explain why in one of the most informative and powerful Real Talk Round Tables we've ever presented.

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