In a public letter denouncing the joint U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and highlighting Iranians’ right to autonomy, filmmakers Yorgos Lanthimos, Mike Figgis, and Ben Rivers joined several artists and scholars.
They are among the initial signatories of a letter circulating among intellectual, artistic, cultural, and cinematic circles on both ends of the Atlantic. “We, a collective of artists, cultural practitioners, and filmmakers, issue this statement in full awareness of our historical and ethical responsibility to unequivocally condemn war, military violence, and all forms of political and military intervention,” it added.
It follows with the said statement, “We state clearly and without ambiguity that the destiny, future, and political determination of Iran belong exclusively to the people of Iran. No foreign power, no government, and no military coalition holds the legitimacy to determine the political, social, or historical trajectory of this land. The right to self-determination is a fundamental and inalienable principle that arises solely from the free and conscious will of a people.”
The declaration called, “for the immediate cessation of military attacks and escalatory policies against Iran and across the region; unconditional respect for the Iranian people’s right to self-determination; prioritization of diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to international law; protection of civilians and vital infrastructure; and rejection of any policy that frames war as a legitimate means of political change.”
The letter’s release coincides with the start of the 11th day of the joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign targeting Iran, which has drawn increasing criticism from throughout the world due to its unilateral nature and larger ramifications for regional and international security.
The letter’s signatories vehemently opposed the application of military involvement on Tuesday.
“We firmly condemn the military attacks carried out by the governments of the United States and Israel against Iran and its territory, which have resulted in the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. We likewise reject the war-driven policies and approaches of President Donald Trump, which have contributed to escalating tensions and deepening regional instability,” it informed.
“Modern and earlier history alike demonstrate that no enduring peace has ever emerged from bombardment or military threats. No freedom has been delivered through missiles, sanctions, or occupation. War even when initiated under the rhetoric of ‘liberation’ inevitably leads to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the fragmentation of social fabric, the expansion of poverty, and the perpetuation of violence. We categorically reject any political narrative that presents war as a legitimate instrument for achieving freedom.”
“We believe that the future of Iran and the region will not be forged in the shadow of threats and bombardment, but through the will of the people, justice, coexistence, and a just and lasting peace. At this critical historical moment, we stand with the people of Iran and with all peoples of the region in calling for a just, sustainable, and humane peace. Peace is an ethical choice and a historical necessity and no freedom will ever be born from war.”
