Mahtab Farid is a soft power and national security expert.
Serving Without a Uniform: Reporting Truth In Defense Of Freedom
From the streets of Tehran to reporting in Beirut and navigating the halls of Washington, D.C., she made sense of U.S.-Iran relations while focusing her journalism career on fighting disinformation and serving America, both in the newsroom and on the battlefield. Her journey showcases an unwavering commitment to defending freedom and empowering voices in the fight for liberty.
Serving Without a Uniform is a tribute to duty, gratitude, and grit. It honors those in uniform and those who serve in other ways—advancing America’s mission, upholding its values, and standing alongside those on the front lines, without wearing a uniform.
Mahtab Farid
Award-winning international journalist, diplomat, and analyst.
Born in Tehran and raised during the Islamic Revolution, she migrated to California as a teenager. After graduation, Farid moved to Washington, DC, and built a remarkable career reporting on national security issues, including U.S.-Iran relations and conflicts in the Middle East.
During the U.S.-Afghanistan war, she answered the call for the civilian surge, serving as a public diplomacy officer with the U.S. Department of State. For her outstanding service in arduous situations, Farid received the Secretary’s Expeditionary Service Award.
While constantly at the cutting edge of national security analysis, Mahtab Farid finds refuge in nature. She enjoys long walks on trails and beaches, biking through scenic landscapes. Gardening is another passion, where she nurtures fresh produce and vibrant flowers.
