Santa Barbara Businessman with Iranian roots reacts to ceasefire

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Santa Barbara business owner Ray Merpour first came to America as a fighter pilot in training under the Shah of Iran.

"I was training here, I love America it is the best country in the world," said Merpour.

Together with his wife Nasrin, the owners of Santa Barbara Gas, Propane & Smog raised a family in Goleta, but they still have loved ones including his sister who they worry about back home.

He is from Ahvaz, she is from Tabriz.

"They can call but they cannot talk politics at all they say it everybody is okay and even though I hear it in the news that they bombed my hometown but they cannot say anything they don't," said Merpour.

They can't even speak about the two-week ceasefire, that followed the President's deadline and threats.

"I was very concerned, I really don't like the war, the people situation in Iran is bad, if Donald Trump was bombing what he was telling to do it was be a disaster in Iran, and I was very very concerned," said Merpour," I feel better but again it looks like the ceasefire is not going to happen because Israeli don't like to stop bombing Lebanon."

Merpour who speaks four languages appreciates his customers who share their concerns.

Your News Channel will have more reaction to the ceasefire tonight on the news.