In this urgent and emotional edition of Roqe, host Jian Ghomeshi opens a new series exploring the human impact of the fast-escalating conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Recorded on June 18th, 2025 — amidst rapidly shifting events — this episode amplifies Iranian voices from both inside the country and across the diaspora.

Guests include:

Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi (“Dr. Kay”) in New York, a physician receiving messages from hundreds of Iranians on the ground

Kamyar Mahinsa, a longtime police officer and influential voice on Iranian social media, joining from Vancouver

Nik Kowsar, celebrated cartoonist, journalist, and advocate, speaking from Washington, D.C.

Roqe contributors Pegah Ganji and Anahita Nayebi, reflecting on grief, diaspora guilt, family, and hope

This episode marks the beginning of The Israel–Iran War: Voices of Iranians — a continuing Roqe series documenting the thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences of Iranians during this unprecedented crisis. If you disagree with something you hear, stay tuned — more voices and perspectives are coming. This is not an echo chamber. This is a space for humanity, nuance, and truth-seeking.