TAMPA, Fla. — As attacks intensify in the U.S. and Israel war in the Middle East, a woman from Iran who now lives in the Tampa area says she has mixed emotions.
What You Need To Know
Damineh Oveisi, an Iranian American in Tampa, shares her emotions amid conflict in Iran
She celebrated the killing of Iran’s leader but worries about her family’s safety
Her family, including her parents, evacuated Tehran; they’re relieved but anxious
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Damineh Oveisi is keeping a close eye on the widening war in Iran. She gets updates on her phone between patients and lab work at the lab she owns and runs in Clearwater. The 45-year-old is from Iran.
“The leader of Iran has been killed, and that was the moment we all celebrated, actually,” said Oveisi.
Oveisi says the emotions range from celebration to stress. She couldn’t reach her two younger sisters and brother after the initial attacks.
“I was so happy to hear her voice, and as soon I heard they were safe, they evacuated Tehran,” said Oveisi of finally hearing from her sister.
“Hearing all this bomb and evacuating from their home of course is scary,” she said. “But at the same time they are very, very happy,” said Oveisi. “They’re saying people are very happy and celebrating outside, they’re in the street dancing, singing.”
With that hope also comes uncertainty.
“My concern is that hopefully this will end very soon,” she said.
Oveisi hasn’t been back to Iran since 2019, but she was able to recently bring her parents to Florida, just in time, she said.
“My parents are a little bit old and sick so I was just so lucky to brought them here last week,” she said.
Oveisi and her parents remain hopeful for the rest of the family still in Iran.
“I just told them please stay safe, I love you guys and I hope to see you guys very soon in a free Iran,” she said as she looks forward to connecting again soon.