The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned what it described as external interference in Iran’s internal affairs, warning that foreign involvement could heighten tensions and undermine the Iranian people’s right to self-determination.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organization said it stood in solidarity with Iranians engaged in peaceful protests following years of economic hardship, which it largely blamed on United States sanctions. MPAC said the sanctions had contributed significantly to widespread suffering and poverty across Iran.
The group also accused Israel of carrying out covert actions that it said have further destabilized the country, and cautioned that both the United States and Israel were seeking to exploit the unrest in Iran to advance their geopolitical interests.
MPAC claimed there was evidence that foreign agents had infiltrated protest movements to hijack legitimate grievances and incite violence. Citing Iranian authorities, the organization said some protesters had attacked law enforcement officers and civilians, resulting in deaths.
The group criticized statements by the U.S. President encouraging protest actions in Iran, arguing that such remarks could endanger innocent lives.
It contrasted Washington’s position on Iran with its response to domestic unrest in the United States, noting that protests against police brutality and systemic racism have often been met with force, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and, in some cases, live ammunition.
According to the statement, incidents in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities involving protests over immigration enforcement and police conduct were forcefully dispersed, leading to injuries and fatalities. MPAC also pointed to protests in Israel that it said had been met with government crackdowns and restrictive laws affecting free speech and public assembly.
Questioning the motives of Washington and Tel Aviv, MPAC said their actions toward Iran were not driven by concern for the Iranian people but by efforts to destabilize a long-standing adversary.
In the statement signed by MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organization said Iran, like any sovereign nation, has a responsibility to defend itself against foreign interference and sabotage.
MPAC further condemned threats of military action against Iran by U.S. officials, warning that such moves could endanger regional and global security. It described any military escalation as “a recipe for disaster” and said the Iranian people would resist attempts to undermine their sovereignty.
Drawing parallels with Iraq and Libya, MPAC urged Iranians to remain cautious of foreign intervention, while also calling on the Iranian government to engage in constructive dialogue with opposition groups. The organization said a peaceful, internally driven process remained the only viable path to addressing Iran’s challenges.