By Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
A coalition of progressive organisations, trade unions, youth and women’s movements, faith-based justice networks and Pan-African groups across several continents has issued a joint statement condemning what it described as military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the statement dated March 1, 2026, the coalition said despite their ideological differences and varying perspectives on Iran’s internal politics and the historical conduct of the United States in the Middle East, they were united by a shared commitment to human dignity, popular sovereignty and democratic self-determination.
The signatories argued that external military action against Iran by the United States and Israel represented a violation of national sovereignty and raised fundamental questions about the global rule of law.
According to the coalition, the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state undermines the foundations of the international system and sets a dangerous precedent, particularly for countries in the Global South.
While acknowledging that members of the coalition hold differing views on sanctions, protests within Iran and other policy questions, they stressed that certain principles remained non-negotiable.
These include opposition to military conquest disguised as humanitarian intervention, rejection of repression under the guise of maintaining order, and condemnation of economic sanctions that inflict collective punishment on civilian populations.
The coalition maintained that Iran’s political future must be determined by its own citizens without external coercion, assassination attempts or externally imposed political transitions.
It further criticised unilateral economic sanctions that restrict access to food, medicine, financial systems and development opportunities, arguing that such measures violate international human rights obligations.
Calling for immediate global action, the coalition urged the international community to condemn military aggression against Iran and called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session to investigate the legality of the alleged attacks.
The statement also demanded an immediate de-escalation of hostilities, the cessation of military threats and actions against Iran, and stronger protections for civilians, particularly children and residents of targeted areas.
In addition, the coalition called for the lifting of economic sanctions and the rejection of what it described as the weaponisation of financial systems and blockades as tools of coercion.
It advocated diplomatic engagement and multilateral negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution while respecting the sovereignty of Iran.
The coalition further urged civil society organisations worldwide to mobilise public protests, forums and educational campaigns to highlight the humanitarian and economic consequences of unilateral military intervention.
Grounding its position in international legal frameworks including the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions and other global agreements, the coalition maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual recognition and adherence to international law.
The statement warned that escalating conflict involving Iran could pose global economic and humanitarian risks and undermine the international legal order.
Dozens of organisations from Africa, Europe, Latin America and other regions signed the statement, including political parties, trade unions, youth movements and Pan-African organisations from countries such as Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mali and South Africa.
