Statement from the University of Barcelona regarding the armed conflict in Iran and the Middle East
News
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Institutional
(03/03/2026)
In light of the war in the Middle East and the potential for the conflict to escalate internationally, the University of Barcelona reiterates its commitment to the values of peace, democracy and human rights, as well as its rejection of all forms of violence. In this context, it wishes to make the following statements public:
News
|
Institutional
03/03/2026
In light of the war in the Middle East and the potential for the conflict to escalate internationally, the University of Barcelona reiterates its commitment to the values of peace, democracy and human rights, as well as its rejection of all forms of violence. In this context, it wishes to make the following statements public:
- The theocratic regime of the ayatollahs has subjugated the Iranian civilian population for 47 years. This repression has led to the unsustainable curtailment of civil rights and the most basic freedoms, especially for women.
- Operation Epic Fury by the United States government, with the support of the State of Israel, further worsens the social situation in Iran and entails more suffering for the Iranian people, who have an unquestionable desire to live in peace and democracy, holding on to a vibrant hope, despite the darkness of the present moment.
- L’operació militar nord-americana se situa, a més, fora del dret internacional, que és i ha de ser sempre el garant per a la resolució justa i duradora dels conflictes d’aquesta envergadura. Optar per la violència és negar la capacitat del dret, de la diplomàcia i de la negociació per solucionar conflictes.
- The US military operation is also outside the scope of international law, which is and must always serve as the guarantor of a fair and lasting resolution to conflicts of this magnitude. Choosing violence means denying the capacity of law, diplomacy and negotiation to resolve conflicts.
- We are facing a complex conflict that does not allow for simplistic black-and-white analyses, but it does allow for an indisputable diagnosis: the civilian population, both Iranians and people from other affected countries, are the direct victims.
- For all these reasons, we firmly call for an end to all armed activities and a halt to attacks on the civilian population. We also call for the establishment of a democratic transition led by the Iranian people, with the support of international institutions committed to peace both in Iran and across the Middle East.
- We remain available to Iranian universities, their academic and technical staff, and students to offer support in any way we can.