Aydin Aghdashloo and his family have no special ties to the Iranian government nor influence to enable the intimidation of others.
Contrary to allusions made in The New York Times article, the Aghdashloo family has long been criticized and intimidated by the Iranian government, with Aghdashloo being summoned for interrogation for his political views on numerous occasions and his daughter being unable to return to the country because of her human rights advocacy and activism. Mr. Aghdashloo’s image has been banned from Iranian state television (IRIB) for his work and views and he is not allowed to take official positions. The family wields no special power nor connection to the government.