NIAC was Parsi’s second attempt to establish a lobbying organization. In 1997, he founded Iranians for International Cooperation (IIC) to “protect the social-economic and political aspirations of the Iranian people.”[1] Further describing its purpose, he said:
“Our main objective is to safeguard Iran and Iranian’s interests. Currently our agenda is topped by the removal of US economic and political sanctions against Iran, and the commencement of Iran-US dialogue.”[2] [emphasis added]
In his mission statement, Parsi said IIC strives to promote “Iran’s national interest” and facilitate “friendship between Iran and other nations.”[3]
Speaking as the head of IIC, Parsi declared, “We consider ourselves a lobby organization.” [emphasis added]. “We use our constitutional rights to influence our elected representatives.”[4] [emphasis added]
Parsi also described the IIC as a lobbying firm on his resume. As the “founder and elected president” of IIC, he said he had “lobbied the US Congress, EU and Swedish Parliament.”[5] [emphasis added] Parsi said the ICC was “capable of organizing the grassroots (sic) and pressure US lawmakers to pose a more Iran friendly position.”[6] [emphasis added]
Describing why Iranian-Americans should become a member of the IIC, Parsi said:
“If you love Iran, if you wish to see friendly ties between Iran and all nations of the world, if you wish to see a prosperous Iran, and if you wish to make all of the above come true, the answer is very simple: of course you should join the IIC.”[7]
Of note in the above statement is the absence of any reference to democracy and Iran’s unpopular clerical rulers. While many Iranians support their country, they are opposed to the corrupt, authoritarian government.
Parsi replicated IIC’s agenda when he created NIAC: the removal of economic sanctions and friendly ties between Iran and the US.
The IIC never got far off the ground. Parsi boasted in a letter to AIC that his organization had “approximately 500 active members worldwide.”[8] In 2000, the IIC website claimed the organization had “over one thousand members all over the world.”[9]
IIC never had a formal office and was described by Parsi as a “Web-based advocacy group.”[10] Parsi spent most of his time working and finishing his university studies. In 2001, he returned to the US to work and the American-Iranian Council. IIC continued to operate, although marginally, until 2006.
[1] Parsi was Executive Director, Babak Talebi was President, and Fareed Saeed was PR Director.
[2] “ICC Curriculum Vitae,” Iranians for International Cooperation.
[3] “Mission Statement of Iranians for International Cooperation,” Iranians for International Cooperation.
[4] “IIC Frequent Asked Questions,” Iranians for International Cooperation.
[5] Trita Parsi, resume, http://www.iranian-americans.com/docs/CurriculumVitaeTill%20BOB.pdf
[6] Trita Parsi resume, http://www.iranian-americans.com/docs/CurriculumVitaeUSversion_0724.pdf
[7] “IIC Frequent Asked Questions,” Iranians for International Cooperation.
[8] Parsi letter to Dr. Hooshan Amirahmadi, April 25, 1999.
[9]www.iic.org (see archive.org)
[10] “Iranian-Americans: The Bridge Between Two Nations,” By Siamak Namazi and Trita Parsi, DAPIA Conference, November 1999.
Read more about NIAC:
Bogus Memberships & Supporters
Survey
Lobbying
Defamation Lawsuit
People’s Mojahedin
Trita Parsi Biography
Parsi/Namazi Lobbying Plan
Parsi Links to Namazi & Iranian Regime
Namazi, NIAC Ringleader
Collaborating with Iran’s Ambassador