The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses our deep concern for the situation in Iran, even as the most recent protests are reported to be winding down. The repeated cycle of protests have become more regular and have been met by disproportionate and unacceptable levels of violence against legitimate demands. The thousands of Iranians killed, injured, and arrested during the past month should shock and concern everyone, even while the complete information blackout makes it difficult to determine totals. The IPB unequivocally condemns the violence of the Iranian state against protesters.
The protests, which were triggered by legitimate socioeconomic, political, and environmental concerns facing the Iranian people, are not new concerns and reflect legitimate demands for change. At the same time, the international interference of the United States and Israel in particular, have complicated this reality and exacerbated the conditions of Iranians before and during the protests. There are credible reports implicating the US and Israel in enflaming tensions during the protests. US sanctions, coupled with Iranian government mismanagement and corruption have led to this breaking point. Conversely, the Iranian government can paint protesters as ‘rioters’ and ‘terrorists’ acting in the interests of the US and Israel to legitimize their violent repression. Following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in 2025, these fault lines have only grown. The IPB condemns threats of war and violence coming from abroad and rejects any efforts of imperialist regime change.
The IPB emphasizes our solidarity with the people of Iran, based in the fundamental principles of human dignity, common security, and self-determination. We call for:
- national and international de-escalation in rhetoric and actions;
- an immediate end to violent threats from the US, Israel or other external forces;
- an immediate end to the communication blackout;
- international diplomatic and legal pressure on the Iranian government to end its violence; and
- advocacy and solidarity with the Iranian people for meaningful change.