WANA (Apr 05) – More than 300 Iranian civil society activists have issued a joint statement addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, warning that any military aggression against Iran—regardless of internal political disagreements—will be met with complete resistance by the Iranian people. The statement, which was also sent to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, asserts that an attack on Iran is not just a strike against the government but a direct assault on the Iranian nation itself.

 

A Broad Coalition Defends National Sovereignty

The letter’s signatories include university professors, lawyers, human rights defenders, journalists, and independent political figures—many of whom have been critical of the Iranian government and have even faced imprisonment or restrictions. Despite their internal critiques, they emphasized a unified stance against foreign threats. The statement is addressed to the UN Secretary-General, the General Assembly, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, U.S. officials, the American public, and global civil society.

 

“We Have Known the Pain of War”

Drawing on Iran’s history, particularly the devastating eight-year Iran-Iraq war, the activists reminded the world that Iran has been a victim of international indifference in times of crisis. They referenced Iraq’s chemical attacks—carried out with international support—as a dark chapter still affecting thousands of survivors. “We have experienced the trauma of war and do not seek its repetition. Iran has not initiated any war in the past century, but history has shown we will defend ourselves with full force if attacked.”

 

Nuclear Double Standards and Western Pressure

The statement criticized Western powers for their “double standards” on nuclear issues, pointing to how Iran’s peaceful, IAEA-monitored nuclear program has been framed as a threat while Israel’s unregulated nuclear arsenal goes unchallenged. The activists highlighted Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA (nuclear deal) despite the U.S. unilaterally withdrawing from it under the Trump administration and imposing severe sanctions that harmed Iran’s access to medicine, essential goods, and industrial resources.

 

Democracy Must Come from Within

The activists stressed that while they continue to advocate for democratic reforms, such changes must come from within Iran and not through foreign interference. “Democracy cannot be imported by foreign powers—especially those who openly support the Israeli regime and supply it with advanced weaponry, despite international condemnation of its actions in Gaza.”

 

Referencing Iran’s rich cultural and historical legacy, the statement emphasized that the Iranian people need no foreign saviors. Quoting the philosopher Hegel—who said “world history begins with Iran”—the signatories underlined their national dignity and capacity for self-determination.

 

A Broader Concern for Global Peace

Beyond defending Iran, the signatories voiced concern for international peace, citing widespread violations of human rights and humanitarian law by Israel over the past 15 months, often with support from the U.S. and some European governments. They also criticized the current U.S. administration’s aggressive rhetoric and actions across various regions, arguing that its threats against Iran—such as statements that Iran must “either negotiate or be bombed”—are blatant violations of the UN Charter and a danger to global stability.

 

Final Call to Action

In conclusion, the civil society activists declared:

“We, the signatories, stand united in our defense of Iran, humanity, and global peace. If Iran is attacked, regardless of our differences with the government, we will defend our homeland with all our strength. We urge the world to resist the war-mongering threats of the new U.S. administration and the ongoing atrocities of the Israeli government. Any assault on Iran’s sovereignty is not an act against its rulers—it is an act against its people, one that will destabilize the region and harm the entire world.”