Story perspectives

Feds Arrest Iranian Nationals in Academic Propaganda Crackdown

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny in Los Angeles on April 4, 2026.
State Department accused Afshar of promoting Iranian propaganda and supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The case reflects a U.S. crackdown on Iran-linked nationals in academia.
Emory University removed Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, linked to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Amid backlash over her family's connections, she has since lost status in the United States.

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Story summary

Federal agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny in Los Angeles on April 4, 2026.
State Department accused Afshar of promoting Iranian propaganda and supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The case reflects a U.S. crackdown on Iran-linked nationals in academia.
Emory University removed Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, linked to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Amid backlash over her family's connections, she has since lost status in the United States.