TEHRAN – Following the U.S.-Israeli terrorist attacks to Iran, which started last Saturday and have martyred over 1,000 people, the Iranian-American filmmaker Justin Mashouf announced on Instagram the martyrdom of his cousin in an airstrike in Tehran.

The attacks have so far martyred the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several military commanders as well as civilians, including women and children, ISNA reported.

“My cousin Katayoon was killed by an airstrike in Tehran on Tuesday. She was a lovely, intelligent mother and physician. Her building was rocked by bombs and she was killed under the rubble. Her husband is in critical condition,” Mashouf wrote.

“This war does not discriminate. Innocent people are being killed for expansionist agendas. This war is not about freeing people or democracy. They have made it abundantly clear that people of Iran are irrelevant to them,” he continued.

Mashouf ended his post saying: “We are resilient people but war can kill the best of us. Pray for Iran and do what is in your power to put a stop to the bombing and the potential ground invasion that is being. Speak out, vote, protest, and BDS”.

Iran and the U.S. had agreed to attend a fourth round of nuclear talks in Vienna this week, following their most serious discussions in Geneva two weeks ago. However, the U.S. derailed diplomatic negotiations with Iran just like the previous time in June 2025, launching a bombing campaign against Iran in conjunction with Israel.

The attacks prompted a swift response from the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), with missile and drone launches targeting Israel and several U.S. bases in the region, occurring less than two hours after the strikes, which have been intensified in recent days.

Justin Mashouf, 41, is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Iranian parents. His diverse cultural background has greatly influenced his artistic identity and creative output.

Mashouf began his career in music, initially gaining recognition as a singer-songwriter. His music often blends various genres, including pop and rock, and frequently features themes related to personal experiences, cultural identity, and social issues. He is known for his evocative lyrics and engaging melodies, which resonate with a wide audience.

In addition to his music career, Justin has ventured into filmmaking. He has produced and directed several independent films, showcasing his talents behind the camera. His cinematic work often focuses on narratives that highlight cultural diversity and the human experience.

Mashouf is also an entrepreneur, actively involved in various business ventures that intersect with his artistic pursuits. Throughout his career, he has received accolades for his contributions to music and film.

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