The Fellowship of Reconciliation – USA strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by the Iranian government that has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. We mourn and pray for all those who have been killed or harmed during the recent upheaval in Iran, and we grieve with their families and communities. Every innocent life lost—whether through the actions of state forces or through acts of violence during the unrest—is a profound tragedy that demands accountability, restraint, and a renewed commitment to nonviolence.

At the same time, FOR affirms the fundamental right of the Iranian people to express their grievances through peaceful assembly, nonviolent protest, and the raising of their collective voices. The right to protest nonviolently is a universal human right and an essential means by which people seek dignity, justice, and social change. We uphold this right while emphasizing that lasting transformation can only be achieved through nonviolent means that protect human life and reject retaliation or militarization.

At the Fellowship of Reconciliation, we firmly believe that broad economic sanctions have significantly contributed to the suffering of the Iranian population. These sanctions have weakened the economy and disproportionately harmed civilians, while failing to achieve just or constructive political outcomes. For this reason, we support the lifting of broad economic sanctions as a necessary step toward easing humanitarian suffering, restoring economic stability, and creating conditions conducive to long-term peace.

We recognize a moral responsibility to advocate for policies that reduce suffering and promote stability. Supporting the Iranian people means supporting their right to economic security, social well-being, and self-determination—free from collective punishment, coercion, and external pressure.

FOR also strongly condemns all forms of foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs. Recent developments indicate that external actors, including the United States and Israel, have engaged in actions that have contributed to unrest, insecurity, and violence inside Iran. Such interference exacerbates tensions, undermines sovereignty, and places civilians at greater risk. We unequivocally denounce these actions and call for an immediate end to all foreign interventions that fuel conflict and chaos.

Sustainable and just solutions for Iran can only emerge through nonviolent processes, respect for national sovereignty, and policies that place human life, dignity, and peace above geopolitical interests.

Our position is rooted in FOR’s long-standing commitment to nonviolence, economic justice, and the protection of human life. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, praying for healing and peace, and we support all efforts that lead toward stability, dignity, and a just future for all.