Iranian-American Democrat Moj Mahdara slams her party over Iran strikes: 'Incredibly disappointed'

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Iranian-American activist and Democratic supporter Moj Mahdara took aim at her own party’s response to the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, saying she felt alienated by what she described as a partisan obsession that has overshadowed the seriousness of the moment.

Mahdara, co-founder of Iranian diaspora collective, who has long aligned with Democratic causes, called on the party to rethink its stance and focus on broader national and global considerations and said she no longer saw herself reflected in its current approach as spoke to CNN on Saturday, February 28.

Mahdara calls Dems to look beyond Trump

“I am a Democrat. I have been a huge Democrat. I am incredibly disappointed with my party. I do not see myself in them in this moment,” Mahdara said.

She added that the situation in the Middle East deserved thoughtful engagement, not reflexive opposition to President Donald Trump.

Mahdara urged Democrats to move past what she sees as a purely oppositional posture toward Trump and consider the wider implications of the conflict.

“I think that it is imperative the Democratic Party wake up and get past their dislike of President Trump and their feelings about international conflicts going on,” she said.

She framed the issue as one of national interest and geopolitics, not just domestic politics. “This is about national security. This is about what is possible in the Middle East. This is about being a good partner to the Gulf states and what their aspirations are,” she said, linking the strikes to wider efforts to counter Tehran’s geopolitical influence.

Mahdara also touched on global energy and economic dynamics, noting that “55% of the oil production that Iran produces goes to China, despite sanctions.”

She pointed to relations with countries like China and said addressing Iran’s posture could have ripple effects on global affairs, including tensions in Ukraine and beyond.

Citing what she described as an opportunity for transformative change, Mahdara compared the moment to historical shifts.

“This will be like ending the Soviet Union, the Berlin Wall. This is a transformational moment for humankind, as an American, this is in our interest to complete it.”

Among notable Democrats, Senator Fetterman also expressed backed strikes against Iran and praised US action as 'necessary'

Democrats, Republicans clash over Iran strikes

Mahdara’s critique highlights broader divisions in Washington over the US response to Iran.

Many Democratic lawmakers have condemned the strikes, calling them unauthorized and a dangerous escalation.

Tim Kaine introduced resolution to limit President Trump’s military authority without explicit congressional approval, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded briefings and transparency on the administration’s rationale. 

Ed Markey also released a statement slamming US action against Iran.

Rep Ilhan Omar blasted the operation on social media, saying Trump’s actions amounted to an “illegal regime change war” and warning that military strikes would inflame tensions rather than improve security.

Omar argued that “military strikes will not make us safer” and urged diplomacy over force.

Similarly, Rep. Rashida Tlaib called the actions an “illegal war of aggression,” saying the conflict risked further suffering.

There are also constitutional debates playing out on Capitol Hill.

Rep Thomas Massie and Sen Rand Paul, typically critical of expansive military action, have joined calls for Congress to assert its war-powers authority, saying the decision to engage militarily should rest with lawmakers, not the executive alone.