British-Iranian actress asks 'where are the college campuses' protesting the Iranian regime

British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi called out progressive activists who have not spoken out on the Iranian regime's human rights violations over the years. Media British-Iranian actress asks 'where are the college campuses' protesting the Iranian regime 'Rings of Power' actress Nazanin Boniadi says there hasn't been outrage from left-wing protesters over Iran's retaliation strikes By Lindsay Kornick Fox News Published March 4, 2026 9:09pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video British-Iranian actress asks where is the outrage over Iran's human rights violations British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi criticized progressive activists for ignoring how Iran has been oppressing its citizens prior to the recent war. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi called out progressive activists for their lack of outrage over the regime's human rights violations before President Donald Trump conducted military strikes against the nation. The "Rings of Power" actress appeared on CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" Wednesday to discuss the ongoing war against Iran and concerns over the vacuum of leadership in the nation after the U.S. eliminated its leaders.She agreed with concerns that an ISIS-level threat could take over the country but noted that several human rights activists and organizations did not acknowledge civilian deaths until after the U.S. targeted Iran. Actor Nazanin Boniadi has spoken out in support of Iranian protesters for years. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili) "For people who care about international law as I do, I'm getting plenty of messages from colleagues in entertainment and saying, ‘I’m so sorry in this moment, what's happening to your people.' Thank you, but where were you a few weeks ago, when tens of thousands of Iranians were being killed by their own regime?" Boniadi said. "This is a regime that has been violating international law for decades." Tapper remarked that he also hadn't "really heard a ton" from international progressive activists regarding Iran's human rights violations, even after the nation launched hundreds of missile and drone strikes against other Muslim-majority countries in retaliation."I mean, if any other country did that, I think there'd be a huge hue and cry and huge marches in the streets. Iran does it, and there really isn't that result in the progressive community. What do you make of that?" Tapper asked. EXILED IRANIAN CROWN PRINCE SAYS US STRIKES MARK 'BEGINNING OF THE VERY END' FOR REGIME The U.S. launched a series of military attacks against Iran last week. (Francesco Militello Mirto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)"Look, in 1979, progressives world over, including in Iran, were all too willing to sacrifice women‘s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and every other basic human rights at the altar of anti-imperialism. Are we going to do the same in this moment? Are we really caring more about whose hands are on the trigger, or are we going to care about human lives, civilian lives?" Boniadi answered. "This is a regime that has violated human rights," she continued. "International law has wreaked havoc on the region, domestic oppression, transnational repression, hostage diplomacy, destabilizing the region. And now, it's killing fellow Muslims in neighboring countries. Where is your outrage? Where are the college campuses?" Boniadi, whose family fled Tehran for England following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been a longtime supporter of Iranian protesters and has previously used her career to highlight atrocities conducted by the Iranian regime.PETE HEGSETH CRITICIZES 'FAKE NEWS' COVERAGE OF IRAN STRIKES, SAYS ONLY TRAGEDIES MAKE FRONT PAGE Both Boniadi and CNN host Jake Tapper remarked on the silence regarding Iran's retaliation strikes against nations in the Middle East. (Luis Soto/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE During the Academy Women's Luncheon in 2022, she appealed to several Oscar-winning Hollywood figures to show support for female protesters in Iran following the death of a 22-year-old after she was arrested for wearing her hijab too loosely.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP"We owe it to our counterparts in Iran to stand with them as they fight for their most basic human rights," Boniadi said. Related Article Khamenei is dead — and Iranians dare to hope for freedom again after decades of tyranny Lindsay Kornick is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @lmkornick. Related Topics MediaWar With IranIran Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!