Iranian MP Mehdi Koochakzadeh criticized the government’s plan to send firefighters to Los Angeles. He argued that aid to the U.S. should not come at the cost of support for Gaza. In a parliamentary session on January 13, 2025, he said, “As an Iranian taxpayer, I don’t want a single penny of my taxes spent on Los Angeles before it goes to Gaza.”
Koochakzadeh’s remarks followed the proposal by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani to send relief workers to help with Los Angeles wildfires. Koochakzadeh’s view reflects a larger sentiment among Iranian officials who believe resources should go to Gaza first.
The debate reveals tensions within Iran over foreign policy priorities and resource allocation. Some officials support international aid, while others, like Koochakzadeh, want to prioritize regions like Gaza.
This incident highlights the complexities of Iran’s foreign policy and internal disagreements over international aid.
