Chicago refugee from Iran, Northwestern professor weigh in on what could happen next in Middle East
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ali Tarokh and his American wife read to their 2-year-old daughter in both English and Farsi.

Tarokh is an Iranian refugee who came to Chicago 12 years ago after being imprisoned in Iran for political persecution.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The 39-year-old’s immediate family remains there.

Tarokh says he has lost hope for any diplomatic solution after the United States chose to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites.

“Attacking nuclear sites and targeting scientists isn’t a long-term solution. Due to recent events, Iran is now more motivated to rebuild its program,” Tarokh explained.

And there are now questions on whether the U.S. strikes worked, as President Donald Trump insists the sites were obliterated.

“It’s blown up to kingdom come,” Trump said. “The site has been demolished. The whole thing is collapsed and a disaster.”

Reports to ABC News suggest an initial Pentagon assessment reveals that at least two of Iran’s nuclear sites struck by U.S. bombs may not have been destroyed. The setback to Iran’s nuclear program is estimated to last only a few months.

Nonetheless, some analysts specializing in the Middle East suggest that Iran might be willing to abandon its nuclear ambitions in exchange for reintegration into international trade, along with lifted sanctions and access to previously frozen assets.

“Iran is not North Korea. Its goal is not to become a nuclear power. Its goal is to relieve the economic stress that the country has been under for decades,” said Ibrahim Abushariff, a Qatar professor at Northwestern University.

Tarokh is not so optimistic.

An American citizen since 2018, Chicago is now his home. But as someone who spent his first 27 years in Iran living under sanctions, he doubts anything will change after the past 12 days of war.

“They would love to lift the sanctions. However, they have proved they can survive under the heaviest sanctions in human history,” Tarokh said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Armies of Texas volunteers dig out, clean up, after fatal floods

Texas Volunteers Mobilize for Massive Cleanup After Devastating Floods

COMFORT, Texas (AP) — It began with a stranger asking “Do you…
President Donald Trump speaking to reporters.

Trump reportedly upset over Ukraine situation, set to announce new weapons strategy today after expressing disappointment with Putin

Donald Trump has expressed his disappointment with Vladimir Putin for launching nighttime…
King Charles III arriving at a lifeboat station.

King Charles to Welcome Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on the Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

DONALD Trump will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle on…
Aerial view of a burned-out airplane at London Southend Airport.

Four Killed in Fiery Crash as Medical Jet Spirals Out of Control and Crashes at Southend Airport

FOUR people have reportedly been killed after a plane crashed at Southend…
Ellen DeGeneres backs Rosie O'Donnell after President Trump's citizenship threat

Ellen DeGeneres supports Rosie O’Donnell amid President Trump’s citizenship dispute

Ellen DeGeneres is in Rosie O’Donnell’s corner. In spite of their long-standing…
Biden defends controversial autopen use for mass clemency decisions in NYT interview

In NYT Interview, Biden Explains Use of Autopen for Widespread Clemency Decisions

Former President Joe Biden explained his reasoning behind using an autopen in…
Hearing begins for Marni Yang to present new evidence in murder of Rhoni Reuter, pregnant girlfriend of Bears star Shaun Gayle

Marni Yang Presents New Evidence in Case Involving Murder of Rhoni Reuter, Pregnant Partner of Bears Star Shaun Gayle

In Lake County, Illinois, Marni Yang, formerly a Chicago real estate agent,…
FHP: St. Augustine man killed, 4 injured in multi-vehicle crash on US-1

Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life on Airport Road in Jacksonville

FHP investigators said the crash happened early Sunday morning, and two people…
UC Berkeley professor gunned down by masked attacker in Greece

UC Berkeley Professor Fatally Shot by Masked Assailant in Greece

A University of California, Berkeley professor was shot and killed by a…
Trump threatens Russia with tariffs if Ukraine war isn't resolved within 50 days

Trump Considers Imposing Tariffs on Russia to Expedite Resolution of Ukraine Conflict

The Republican president made the announcement during an Oval Office meeting with…
Richmond Road Baptist Church shooting: Alleged Lexington, Kentucky shooter Guy House; victims Beverly Gumm, Christina Combs

Richmond Road Baptist Church Incident: Suspect Guy House Accused in Lexington Shooting; Victims Identified as Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A man accused of a shooting spree at a…
Westminster, California suing former police officer Nicole Brown accused of stealing $600K in workers' compensation

City of Westminster, California files lawsuit against ex-police officer Nicole Brown for allegedly taking $600K in workers’ comp benefits

WESTMINSTER, Calif. — The city of Westminster, California is taking legal action…