Statement on the Developing Situation in Iran

As members of the leadership and staff of the Stanford Program in Iranian Studies, we are yet again deeply troubled as we watch the unfolding events in Iran. Stanford has been home to many Iranian students and scholars, who have contributed significantly to the academic rigor of our institution. We share their grief and anxiety about the safety of their family, friends, and fellow Iranians who are caught in the merciless nightmare of an unwanted war. The loss of life is irredeemable, but we take solace in the poem of Simin Behbahani, our first Bita Prize recipient, who famously said, “We will rebuild you, vatan*.”

We continue to condemn the violence the Iranian regime is utilizing to silence dissent, and we mourn the loss of life as Iranians continue their long struggle for freedom. We support all Iranians who demand basic human rights, freedom, and dignity. 

Since its founding two decades ago, the mission of the Program in Iranian Studies has been to undertake rigorous scholarship on modern Iran, to support the free exchange of ideas, and to help shine a light on critical aspects of Iranian history and culture—in particular, we have strived to create space for voices that have often been persecuted or silenced by dogma and despotism.  

The immense bravery and resilience of the people of Iran who continue to fight for equality and justice, despite the tragedy of war and brutality of the regime, is a comforting indication that a better tomorrow is on the horizon. 

Abbas Milani

Faculty Director, Hamid and Christina Moghadam Program in Iranian Studies

Roma Parhad

Associate Director, Hamid and Christina Moghadam Program in Iranian Studies

Franco Errico

Program and Events Coordinator, Hamid and Christina Moghadam Program in Iranian Studies

Matin Mirramezani

Manager, Stanford Iran 2040 Project

*homeland