Dear colleagues / friends

 It has now been more than a month since the onset of this unlawful and unprovoked war against Iran.

 During this period, hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed and thousands more injured. The scale and nature of the violence demand urgent and sustained international attention.

Civilian infrastructure—including schools, medical centers, residential areas, public service facilities, and sites of cultural heritage—has been systematically and deliberately targeted, day and night. At the same time, leaders of the aggressor countries continue to issue threats to destroy Iran’s infrastructure, including power plants and the oil industry.

 Despite the severity of these actions, selective media coverage and contemporary forms of censorship have significantly limited global awareness and understanding of the realities on the ground.

 Equally concerning is the silence and inaction of the international community and major global institutions. Organizations that once symbolized collective security and justice now appear increasingly marginalized and ineffective—arguably to an unprecedented degree since their establishment. This erosion of institutional credibility raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of international law and global governance mechanisms.

 It is particularly disheartening that frameworks intended to prevent war crimes—such as international law, the Geneva Conventions, and International Humanitarian Law—as well as institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the International Committee of the Red Cross, are widely perceived as failing to uphold their mandates. The apparent impunity with which aggression is carried out risks undermining the very foundations of the international order.

In addition, it is important to emphasize the principle of consistency in the application of international norms. Just as the Russian invasion of Ukraine was widely condemned by governments, institutions, and civil society across the world, acts of aggression elsewhere must be met with the same clarity and resolve. Failure to do so risks reinforcing perceptions of hypocrisy and double standards in the international system, undermining trust in global governance and the universality of international law.

Furthermore, more than four decades of unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States have significantly shaped Iranian society, rather than weakening the country, these sustained pressures have contributed to a high degree of resilience and self-reliance among the Iranian people. The assumption that external military intervention would lead to a rapid internal collapse is therefore a delusion, deeply flawed and fails to account for the social, political, and historical realities of the country.

On a personal level, most members of the Tehran Peace Museum and their families remain in Tehran, as do many citizens despite the constant threat of bombardment and airstrikes. First responders continue to provide rescue and medical care to victims around the clock. The Iranian people remain deeply committed to their homeland and resolute in defending its sovereignty against external aggression and fragmentation.

There is widespread concern that the current trajectory could mirror the destabilization seen in countries such as Libya and Syria, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability.

The human cost of this conflict is profound. These tragedies are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of civilian casualties, including the devastating loss of young students in targeted schools and universities. The reported tragedy at Minab elementary school, where 170 children were killed, stands as just one heartbreaking example.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/28/parents-victims-iran-minab-shajareh-tayyebeh-school-bombing-describe-day

While there is broad recognition that this constitutes an illegal act of aggression against a sovereign state, critical questions remain unanswered: Who will take responsibility for stopping it? What is the role and responsibility of civil society?

 In this context, the role of peace movements, anti-war organizations, scholars, and activists is more vital than ever. Raising awareness, spreading verified information, challenging misinformation and war propaganda, and mobilizing public opinion are essential steps toward accountability and justice. The expectation from those enduring the consequences of this conflict is clear: the global community must do more.

 We call upon INMP members and other concerned individuals to engage actively, leveraging their platforms, expertise, and networks to ensure that this crisis receives the attention, scrutiny, and response it demands. Sustained, coordinated, and evidence-based action is critical—not only to address the current situation but also to uphold the integrity of international norms and to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

Now is the time for voices to rise. Your role has never been more critical. Speak out. Raise awareness. Demand accountability.

We cannot endure this alone!

Tehran Peace Museum team / 31 March 2026