Why it matters:
In a significant statement directed at the United Nations Secretary-General and the U.S. government, over 300 Iranian civil society activists, including academics, lawyers, human rights defenders, and journalists, reaffirmed their commitment to defend Iran in the event of any foreign aggression. The statement reflects growing concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. and the broader geopolitical implications for the region and the world.
What they're saying:
The activists emphasized Iran’s long history of resisting foreign aggression and its commitment to defending national sovereignty , condemning the U.S.'s withdrawal from the nuclear deal and its sanctions against Iran, which they argue have inflicted severe hardship on the Iranian people.
The activists also stressed that democracy, security, and Iran’s future should be determined by the Iranian people without foreign intervention.
The statement expresses concern not only for Iran but for global peace, highlighting Israel’s human rights violations and the dangerous consequences of the US's warmongering rhetoric.
Key points:
- The statement addresses a dual concern: the violation of international agreements, particularly the JCPOA, and the unrelenting support of the U.S. for Israel's actions.
- It condemns the U.S.’s belligerent rhetoric, particularly the current administration's threats of military action against Iran.
- The activists also criticize the double standards of the West, especially regarding nuclear weapons, contrasting the international scrutiny over Iran's peaceful nuclear program with the lack of accountability for Israel's nuclear arsenal.
Go deeper:
The statement comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with the US administration taking a more aggressive stance toward Iran and its allies in the region. This has sparked widespread concerns about the potential for military conflict, which would not only destabilize the region but also disrupt global peace and security.
ahmad shirzadian
