„[…] Actually, in order to give my answer, let me emphasize the history of science. According to the history of science, we can find that Iranian people have always played a constructive role in the progress of science for long periods, particularly in the medieval Islamic period. For example, you may know Avicenna, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn al-Haytham—he was the pioneer in modern optics.

I checked on the internet and found that in Vienna, there is a statue of four famous ancient Iranian scientists: Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, and I think the next ones include Ibn Sina and others. Therefore, according to this history, we eventually realize that usually Iranian people, from this long civilization, have a constructive rather than destructive role in the progress of science and civilization, not only in Iran but also across the world.

And not just scholars, but all people—decent, dignified, and noble persons, particularly those studying in the university—usually take care about at least four fundamental impacts and commitments. What does it mean? They try to increase leadership, try to increase social empathy, try to increase problem-solving, and creation. These are somehow the four foundational parts of elite impact to improve lifestyle.

Having such facts in hand, I think that Iran certainly contributes constructively in the world, as proven before. If you ask me about my dream for Iran, I can give you a very short answer: My dream is to institutionalize the insight and vision that the greater intellectual activity and greater intelligence capacity leads to greater responsibility with respect to human nature. By providing opportunity for the growth and flourishing of Iranian talents and elites, more than ever before, for better governance.

And also the circulation and mobility of talents and science in our region and internationally. We emphasize that because we have good capacity in our region, and we can try to set up mobility and increase scientific policy in order to reduce misconception, as I stated before. And finally and ultimately, achieving Iran's dignity and majesty. […]“

 

Attacks on Iranian Science: A View from a Scientist in Tehran

IUS Editors

International Union of Scientists (IUS)

April 16, 2026

Scientific institutions have long served as neutral ground for international cooperation, places where knowledge transcends borders and political disputes. Now, universities have become targets. During the Ramadan War, over thirty Iranian research institutes were attacked, including Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran.

In the following interview, conducted during a fragile ceasefire on 15 April, the International Union of Scientists (IUS) speaks with Professor Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Movahed, a physicist at Shahid Beheshti University. Professor Movahed shares testimony from the attacks, analyzes the systematic targeting of Iran’s scientific infrastructure, and issues a call to the global scientific community. The conversation addresses the separation of civilian and military research in Iran, the historical contributions of Iranian science to world civilization, and the role of scientific diplomacy in resisting an imperial strategy to suppress independent development across West Asia.

Read more: https://www.iuscientists.org/attacks-on-iranian-science-a-view-from-a-scientist-in-tehran/

PDF: IUS16.4.2026

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Open Letter: Protect Scientific Institutions in Iran and Ensure Accountability for Aggressors

To the United Nations Secretary-General, the Director-General of UNESCO, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the governments of all parties to the conflict

April 2026

https://afsaneyebahar.com/2026/04/10/20706756/

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Six Non-Negotiable Terms From International Scholars and Former Officials From 30 Countries to End the U.S. War on Iran Amid Trump’s Threat of War Crimes

The conscience of humanity resists “everything for us, nothing for others,” the creed of the predatory empire erected on the corpses of nations. The shameless rapacity and insolence have reached their zenith, and Trump’s threats illustrate the depraved spirit of a decaying civilisation. We must not be passive witnesses, but active architects of a new world where arrogance crumbles and righteousness prevails.

April 10, 2026

https://afsaneyebahar.com/2026/04/11/20706772/

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A Primer on the Petrodollar and the War on Iran: The Sixteenth Newsletter (2026)

The illegal US-Israeli war on Iran is exposing the Oil-Dollar-Wall Street complex that binds oil, financial markets, and dollar power, with consequences that reach far beyond the region.

By Vijay Prashad

April 16, 2026

https://thetricontinental.org/newsletterissue/a-primer-on-the-petrodollar/

PDF: https://thetricontinental.org/newsletterissue/a-primer-on-the-petrodollar/?output=pdf

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‚Trump’s Surrender is a Historic Miss for Israel‘

Conflicts Forum’s compilation of consequential & strategic perspectives from leading Israeli political & security commentators (translated from the Hebrew press)

April 16, 2026

“A Society of War Junkies” — Polls show most Israelis oppose Iran ceasefire: 53.3% oppose ceasefire; 79% back continued fighting in Lebanon /

Raviv Drucker: “Netanyahu is lying to Israelis” on Iran Nuclear Threat /

Israel’s ‘Rational’ Left is more dangerous than Ben-Gvir and Smotrich /

Shin Bet Chief excuses Netanyahu from trial hearings during the ceasefire /

Mossad Next in Line for ‘Netanyahu-ization’

https://conflictsforum.substack.com/p/trumps-surrender-is-a-historic-miss

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