Iranian Civil Activists Vow Comprehensive Defiance Against US Aggression
Over 300 Iranian civil society activists have denounced the United States for its military strike threats against Iran, pledging to mount a comprehensive defense against any foreign aggression.
In a communication directed to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, a coalition of activists encompassing university professors, legal scholars, lawyers, human rights advocates, journalists, and independent political activists, reiterated their dedication to supporting Iran, despite criticisms directed toward its government.
The signatories of the statement declared their unwavering commitment to defending Iran with all available strength, despite holding differing opinions from the government, in the event of any external aggression. They emphasized their actions are in the interest of Iran, humanity, and global peace.
Aggression targeting Iran or its defense capabilities is considered not just an act against the government, but a strike against the Iranian populace that could lead to regional turmoil and pose a global threat.
In a statement also delivered to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Iranian activists urged the international community to oppose the actions of the Israeli regime and the aggressive posturing of the new US administration.
Activists have expressed deep concerns, highlighting worries not only regarding Iran but also broader global peace amidst ongoing tensions. They accuse Israel, backed by the United States and certain European governments, of breaching human rights standards and international humanitarian law.
Critiquing Trump, they asserted that he aims to address international issues through military force, aerial bombardments, and warfare.
Trump’s consistent threats to launch attacks on Iran have been criticized for violating the UN Charter and potentially jeopardizing global peace, experts have noted.
Activists have underscored their stance that, despite criticisms of the Iranian government and its policies, the responsibility for establishing Iran’s independence, security, and democracy lies with its own citizens, free from external influence.
“Democracy cannot be built through the interference of external entities that actively endorse authoritarianism and the controversial actions of the Israeli government.”
In reference to the war imposed on Iran during the 1980s, it has been stated that the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein acted as a proxy, having received both arms and political backing from Eastern and Western powers.
The activists highlighted, “Having endured the difficulties of conflict, we are adamant in our desire to avoid another war.” They emphasized that Iran has not commenced a war in the last hundred years, but asserted its readiness to firmly resist any external aggression.
They criticized the West’s inconsistent stance, highlighting its disregard for Israel’s nuclear arsenal while depicting Iran’s peaceful nuclear initiatives, overseen by the UN atomic agency, as a potential menace.
