Iranian man living in Austin discusses Israel-Iran conflict

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The turmoil abroad with the Israel-Iran conflict is impacting some people in Central Texas with ties to Iran. The conflict, while thousands of miles away, hits close to home for Bijan Afkami.

Afkami has lived in the United States for 48 years. He built a life here with his family.

“I was born in Iran. I was very lucky. I had great teenage years, and the economy was booming,” Afkami said. “Then I moved to the United States in ’77 to go to school. After I finished my education, I raised my family.”

The two countries have a special place in his heart.

“Iran is a beautiful country. Great people, and the United States is my home now.”

Bijan Afkami

As he watches the situation unfold, Afkami said he’s checked in with family still in Iran.

“The internet is down,” Afkami said. “They really have [a] hard time communicating. There is no electricity in some parts of the country. There is no water.”

KXAN interviewed Afkami on Friday, which was a week into strikes between Israel and Iran. At the time, President Donald Trump was still considering a U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.

“He’s taking all the right steps. He has been very well informed. He has been patient,” Afkami said. “He’s trying to avoid a war that might expand.”

Over the weekend, the United States launched missiles at Iranian nuclear sites. On Monday, a shaky ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Iran. President Trump coordinated that deal.

We asked Afkami if he felt the same way about the president’s response. Afkami said he does. Ultimately, he hopes there’s a possibility for change to Iran’s current regime.

“Iranian people have been struggling to have democracy for over 100 years,” Afkami said.