Our purpose
Understanding, built person to person
Our purpose is to increase understanding between the people of the world and the people of Iran, and to promote peace through personal connection.
This is a people-to-people delegation — an act of citizen diplomacy, building hope and connection where official channels have stalled. History shows that direct relationships between ordinary people can move governments toward peace. This, our third delegation, aims to strengthen the ties first formed in 2024, when we helped establish an Iranian section of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
Who we are
Nuri Ronaghy
Nuri Ronaghy is the delegation's lead organizer. Born in Iran, she has dedicated her life to supporting a just world. Because of her activism, she was held in solitary confinement in Iran's Evin prison under the Shah's regime. She continued her advocacy work in the United States as a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Her current action is to support the Afghan refugee population in Iran and a school for Afghan refugee children.
She is a rare connection of love in a time of war.
Steering committee
Peace & Friendship Delegation to Iran
- Nuri Ronaghy
- Alan Shorb
- MacGregor "Greg" Eddy
- Ellen Thomas
- Jasmine Hailey
- Ann Wright
- Adilia Caravaca
- Ely Valipay
How we got here
Three delegations, one relationship
The first Peace and Friendship Delegation to Iran traveled in November 2024, opening the relationships this work is built on.
In Spring 2026, Nuri Ronaghy and Alan Shorb spent nearly three months in Iran preparing for the next delegation. Family and friends of Nuri and Ely who live in Iran are helping organize the trip.
The third Peace and Friendship Delegation travels to Iran in Spring 2027, aiming to restore and deepen the connections made in 2024.
Somewhere over the Atlantic — the delegation together at last
A traditional lunch with friends in Isfahan
At the tomb of the poet Ferdowsi, whose verses are memorized across Iran
Tea, bread, and takhteh (backgammon) with a family who welcomed them in
Beneath the tilework of a mosque entrance
Arrival — the beginning of nearly three months preparing for the next delegation
A continuing commitment
The school Nuri supports
Alongside her work organizing the delegation, Nuri continues to support a school for Afghan refugee children in Iran — one small, steady act of care that outlasts any single trip.
A warm welcome from the students
Gathered together for a seasonal celebration
Trip details
Dates, visas, and cost
Dates
Two weeks in Iran, planned for Spring 2027.
Visa & passport
The committee will help you complete your visa application. Processing can take up to two months. Your passport must remain valid for six months beyond your expected stay.
Cost
As of September 20, we estimate $3,500, including airfare from the US, usually routed through Istanbul. Fares may rise as jet fuel prices increase, so early commitment helps.
Itinerary
Meetings, markets, and streets
The delegation plans to meet with government officials, educators, and community organizers — alongside countless informal conversations with the Iranian people we'll meet on the street and in the markets. Visits to Isfahan and Minab are planned.
The itinerary may change due to the ongoing war.
See the delegations
Meet past delegation members
Two programs from Interfaith Communities United for Peace and Justice (ICUJP) introduce members of the first two Peace and Friendship Delegations to Iran.
ICUJP
Building friendships from Iran to the rest of the world
Delegation members share their experience (starts at 14 minutes).
Watch on YouTube ↗ICUJP
The impact of the 12-day war on the people of Iran
A discussion on how recent conflict has affected everyday Iranians (starts at 8 minutes).
Watch on YouTube ↗Join us
Interested in going to Iran?
Write to us and we'll walk you through what's next — the visa process, cost, and how to prepare.
macgregoreddy@gmail.com