From Refugee to DiplomatThey fled. Then they came back to serve.
Middle East and South Asia

Iran: Refugees Who Became U.S. Diplomats

From Iran to the service of the United States.

The 1979 revolution

The Iranian revolution of 1979 brought a theocratic government to power. Religious minorities, including Jews, Baha'is, Christians, and Zoroastrians, faced pressure and persecution, and many left. Later U.S. law eased refugee processing for Iranian religious minorities.

Diplomats from Iran

Ellie CohanimFled Iran's 1979 revolution as a child refugee and later served as deputy special envoy against antisemitism.Della HerrmannFled the Iranian revolution as a refugee and joined the Foreign Service after September 11.