«بسم الله القاصم الجبارین»
In the name of God, the Breaker of Tyrants.
In recent days, Iran’s academic and scientific community has been directly and openly targeted by the Israeli regime and global arrogance. Several universities and civilian research centers have been bombed. Several distinguished professors have been assassinated. And a number of our students have lost their lives.
We—the faculty members, instructors, and visiting professors of Technical and Vocational University—strongly condemn these crimes and wish to state the following:
First: The target is the Iranian mind.
Our enemy knows that Iran’s real strength is not in its physical structures. It lies in our institutionalized science, our collective intellect, and the advanced human capital of our youth. Buildings can be destroyed. But science cannot be assassinated. Creativity cannot be bombed. And no missile can break the scientific will of this nation.
Second: The West’s double standard on science.
A significant share of research at American and regional universities is funded by their defense departments and military sectors. Does that make those professors legitimate military targets? Assassinating Iranian scientists and academics in their homes and labs is a clear violation of international law. It is the great disgrace of those who falsely claim to defend freedom and liberal democracy.
Third: A call to the global academic community.
We call on all defenders of freedom, students, professors, scholars, and scientific institutions around the world: do not remain silent in the face of this slaughter of science and reason. Silence in the face of attacks on universities is complicity.
Fourth: A demand to our own leaders.
We expect the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen our deterrent power and take smart measures to protect scientific centers and the lives of academics. The attackers must receive a decisive and unforgettable response.
Fifth: We are ready to rebuild and fight through science.
We—the professors, students, and staff of Technical and Vocational University—are fully prepared to rebuild damaged centers, continue our scientific struggle, and produce the soft power Iran needs in every scientific, industrial, and defensive field. We will give our lives and wealth for the dignity and power of our country.
Standing strong through science is the best answer to terror.
Peace be upon those who follow guidance.
