Michigan Student Questions Senate Candidate El-Sayed on Iran Position

<p>A Michigan student confronted Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed about his position on Iran during a town hall on September 23, 2026, at the University of Michigan. The student, Iman Dashti, invoked his family's experiences with the Iranian regime and pressed El-Sayed on whether he supported Iranians opposing the government.</p><p>Dashti, who identified himself as Persian, shared that his cousin was persecuted in Iran for her attire and that his uncle was sentenced to death and received lashes under the government. He referenced leaked audio from earlier in the year in which El-Sayed expressed reluctance to comment on the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating, "there are a lot of people in Dearborn who are sad today."</p><p>Dashti criticized this silence, asking El-Sayed if he regretted it and whether he would renounce those who held vigils for Khamenei. He also inquired if El-Sayed stood against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian government.</p><p>El-Sayed responded by stating that the United States often acts as "the world's policeman" and expressed his support for movements advocating democracy and freedom abroad. He stated, "One can disagree with the governance of a foreign country. One can stand in solidarity with freedom and democracy movements," while rejecting U.S.-led regime change in Iran.</p><p>El-Sayed emphasized that he supports democratic movements but believes it is the responsibility of the Iranian people to determine their leadership. He reiterated his stance against U.S. involvement in regime change, saying, "We should not be in the business of regime change." He added, "I want freedom and democracy for the people of Iran, no question. But I want that to be done by the people of Iran, coming together as a community to decide how to create democratic change in their society."</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign for additional comments regarding the exchange and attempted to contact Dashti through Instagram. El-Sayed, who won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary in August, is running against Republican former Representative Mike Rogers for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The race has garnered significant national attention and funding.</p><p>The confrontation regarding Iran was one of several notable exchanges during the "Students vs. Billionaires" town hall at El-Sayed's alma mater. During the event, El-Sayed also made comments about the future of the Democratic Party and public health infrastructure, predicting a female Democratic president in 2029.</p><p>El-Sayed did not specify whom he was referencing. His remarks coincided with former Vice President Kamala Harris's return to Michigan to campaign with him, although she has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign.</p><p>El-Sayed also criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, stating, "Donald Trump and JD Vance can't seem to keep my name out their mouth." He added that he believes in teaching opportunities regarding their mispronunciation of his name.</p><p>In a statement, El-Sayed's campaign spokesperson, Roxie Richner, reiterated his commitment to supporting movements for freedom and democracy, while condemning government anti-free speech violence. Richner also highlighted El-Sayed's position against U.S. spending on regime change wars, advocating instead for investment in domestic infrastructure, education, and healthcare.</p>