Statement by Iranian Peace Studies Scientific Association Regarding the Armed Conflict and Military Aggression Against the Territorial Integrity of Iran

Statement by Iranian Peace Studies Scientific Association Regarding the Armed Conflict and Military Aggression Against the Territorial Integrity of Iran

Iranian Peace Studies Scientific Association, expressing its profound concern over the deadlock in diplomatic negotiations and the initiation of the use of force against the territorial integrity of Iran, regards the entry of this armed conflict into its fifth week as a fundamental threat to regional and international peace and security. As an academic institution, while expressing its gratitude to the defenders of the homeland in countering the aggression against Iranian territory, the Association considers it its inherent mandate—irrespective of political alignments—to draw the attention of the international community, international legal bodies, and the awakened conscience of academia to the flagrant violations of the fundamental principles of international law during these hostilities:

۱٫ Violation of the Prohibition of the Use of Force (United Nations Charter): The initiation of military operations against the territory of a sovereign state constitutes a blatant violation of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter. This military action lacks any legal justification within the framework of the “Right of Self-Defense” (Article 51 of the Charter) and, pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (adopted in 1974), is deemed a clear manifestation of “Aggression,” thereby entailing the international responsibility of the invading States.

۲٫ Gross Violation of International Humanitarian Law (Principle of Distinction): Reports indicating the targeting and assassination of official figures, and particularly the widespread civilian casualties (including students in regions such as Minab) alongside the displacement of tens of thousands of citizens, signify severe violations of the four Geneva Conventions (1949) and their Additional Protocols (1977). The systemic disregard for the “Principle of Distinction” between combatants and civilians could, under the Rome Statute, be prosecuted as “War Crimes” by competent international tribunals.

۳٫ Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure and Protected Objects: The extensive demolition of residential dwellings, schools (e.g., Minab school), hospitals, and academic centers is in absolute contradiction with the principles of customary international law. Under international humanitarian law, deliberate attacks on civilian objects and facilities devoid of any military function are strictly prohibited and constitute disproportionate and unnecessary destruction.

۴٫ Assault on the Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Damage inflicted upon historical sites and Iran’s ancient cultural heritage due to the use of destructive weaponry violates the “۱۹۵۴ Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.” Iran’s historical heritage does not merely belong to a specific geographical boundary; rather, it is an integral part of civilizational memory and the “Common Heritage of Mankind,” the destruction of which inflicts irreparable harm upon global history and culture.

۵٫ Geopolitical Consequences and Threats to Sustainable Peace: Scientific peace studies demonstrate that, given Iran’s highly sensitive geopolitical and geo-economic position in the region, destabilizing the country through military intervention will not only fail to promote human rights but will also deepen the cycle of violence and extremism in the Middle East, postponing the prospect of achieving sustainable peace for decades. Regional security and stability are inextricably linked to the preservation of Iran’s territorial integrity and structural stability. In the name of humanity, rationality, and justice-based peace, the Iranian Peace Studies Scientific Association urgently calls upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), academic assemblies, and all independent civil institutions worldwide not to remain silent in the face of this unlawful conduct.