America’s largest Muslim advocacy group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has issued multiple press releases in recent days about Israel’s actions in Gaza and support for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani—but none about the deadly protests currently rocking Iran.
The latest wave of Iranian civil unrest erupted Sunday in Tehran, triggered by worsening economic conditions and a plunging currency. Protests quickly spread nationwide, with demonstrators condemning the country’s authoritarian religious regime. Several protesters have reportedly been killed in clashes with security forces.
Yet, during the same time, CAIR published five releases about Israeli policy and four about Mamdani, according to its website. Georgia State Rep. Esther Panitch, the only Jewish member of the state legislature, said the omission was telling: “That’s their MO. If it’s not Israel, they don’t care.”
CAIR has previously faced accusations of ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood—allegations it strongly denies. Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas designated CAIR a terrorist organization in 2025, prompting lawsuits from the group. Despite the controversy, no other GOP governors followed suit.
Asked why CAIR hadn’t commented on the Iranian protests, spokesman Ibrahim Hooper told The Center Square, “I doubt it,” adding that he was unsure of the group’s stance. “We don’t weigh in on every issue,” Hooper said.
Critics, however, argue the silence is selective. “They claim to be a Muslim civil rights organization,” Panitch said. “But not for Muslims living under one of the world’s most repressive regimes.”
Actor and New York City mayoral hopeful Michael Rapaport joined in the criticism, demanding to know why pro-Palestinian activists weren’t marching for Iranian victims. “Where’s the rage for women who don’t have basic rights? Nothing,” he said.
