No to war! The conflict in Iran violates international law

On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out air strikes against Iran, which retaliated by attacking Israel and US forces in the region, and also indiscriminately striking several Persian Gulf states. Since 2 March, this conflict has also spread to Lebanon, leading to massive population displacement. The consequences are even felt within our Movement: the Association d’Entraide Professionnelle, founded in Lebanon in 1984 and a member of Emmaus International since 1995, was already affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is once again threatened by regional unrest.

While the United States and Israel claim their actions are liberating and effective, we denounce the clear lack of recognition of the disastrous short and long-term effects on people and the environment.

This war was launched in violation of international law, and it further undermines international order, which was built to protect peoples and populations from abuses of power. Democratic and militarily powerful states such as the United States are duty bound to uphold international order, and should stand in support of stability and security, rather than violating the sovereignty of states to further their own power.

The many shocking human rights violations committed by Iranian leaders and the risks that this state poses to international security in the region do not justify further illegality and human rights violations. More than ever, we support the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy and respect for human rights in their country, and we affirm that weapons be silenced and the people of Iran must be able to make their choices in complete freedom.

Peace cannot be built with bombs, and democracy cannot be imposed at gunpoint. Only negotiation and political dialogue based on respect for international law can create a safer world.

As a global solidarity movement defending human rights, Emmaus International vehemently denounces the imperialism and colonialism that are the real driving forces behind this war. We also condemn the impunity of the United States, Israel, and Iran, which violate international and humanitarian law. No special treatment should be given.

We call on the international community to take immediate action to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts. To this end, discussions must be held to settle disputes peacefully, and words must be followed by concrete actions. We demand:

• An immediate ceasefire to enable diplomatic, dignified, peaceful, and internationally supervised negotiations, with the support of the UN.
• That the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure take precedence, as required by international law.
• Unconditional access to humanitarian aid for populations affected by the conflict.
• An end to all funding for militarised aid systems and all arms sales to parties involved in this clearly illegal conflict.

Statement by the Board of Emmaus International, 13 March 2026