TEHRAN – Chancellors of 15 top Iranian universities have urged counterparts worldwide to condemn illegal U.S.-Israeli attacks on the country and help preserve human life, cultural heritage, civilization, and dignity.

In a letter to presidents of 150 universities across the world, the Iranian chancellors said “the U.S. and Israeli aggressors have indiscriminately targeted innocent people as well as many schools, medical centers, research labs, sport facilities, civil infrastructures, and even cultural heritage sites across our country.”

The letter reads as follows:

“These days, the world is witnessing an unprovoked, illegal and unjust attack on the Iranian nation. The U.S. and Israeli aggressors have indiscriminately targeted innocent people as well as many schools, medical centers, research labs, sport facilities, civil infrastructures, and even cultural heritage sites across our country.

The atrocities committed by the attackers reminds us of Crusade, the wars which are assumed to be a thing of the past. 

In the very first day of the imposed war, an attack on an elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, has resulted in the brutal killing of 167 innocent school children. 

The Iranian nation and its ancient heritage have been the cradle of civilization, and the pillar of development and stability in this part of the world for thousands of years. 

This has contributed immensely to the enrichment of the world history, and culture, as well as human achievements. 

The Iranian civilization has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing outstanding human resources to serve humanity and drive scientific and technological progress for the betterment and dignity of human life. 

This has been evident in its significant contributions to international scientific growth over the past three decades. 

The war imposed by the U.S. and Israel on Iran is aimed at systematic destruction of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It is aimed at destroying the fabric of a rich heritage which belongs to all humanity. Any attempt to weaken or undermine this vibrant civilization, would be a betrayal to humanity and its future. 

The letter is sent by the Iranian scholars to their broad-minded counterparts and esteemed scholars around the world, as a call for action to fulfill their humanitarian duties and appeal to their respective people and governments to stand against such unbridled massacre and destruction of civilization under unwarranted pretexts. 

We call on our colleagues and all scholars and celebrities with conscience to collectively strive to restore ethics, dialogue, peaceful coexistence and justice against expansionist and subversive policies of the U.S. and the Zionist regime. 

Speaking from experiences gained in recent years, the international institutions seem to have no influence on current issues anymore. 

While Iranian military forces are bravely defending our country and people, with their great strength, against the brutal aggressions and our nation is resisting the atrocities of the aggressors with dignity and pride, we see it our main responsibility to raise awareness and appeal to the good conscience of the elites and academics around the world to take effective action against the brutality of these war-mongering governments. 

If these unethical measures failed to be countered globally, Iran would not be the last victim. 

We hope that our academic colleagues around the world would be the voice of human culture and civilization, and unite to prevent the loss of human life and dignity, and preserve this cultural heritage and civilization.”

The letter ended quoting a poem by Saadi Shirazi, a famous Persian poet of the 13th century. 

“Human Beings are members of a whole 

In creation of one essence and soul 

If one member is inflicted with pain 

Other members uneasy will remain 

If you have no sympathy for human pain 

The name of human you cannot pertain” 

The letter was signed by the presidents of the University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Khajeh Nasir Toosi University, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan University, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Tarbiat Modares University, Shiraz University, Iran University of Science and Technology, University of Tabriz, Bahonar University of Kerman, and Chamran University of Ahvaz.

Latest statistics

According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the latest reports show that residential, educational, and medical infrastructures are among the main places attacked by the U.S and Israel. 

Since the beginning of the illegal war, on February 28, till Friday, they have bombarded 36,593 non-military units, including 10,000 residential units in Tehran, 21,520 residential units in other provinces of the country, 4,827 business units, 160 medical and pharmaceutical centers, and emergency bases, as well as 69 schools.

They have also targeted 17 medical centers run by the IRCS, 21 rescue vehicles and 19 ambulances.