Cambodia—a country that has lived through the nightmare of genocide, war, and foreign invasion—has become a voice of moral clarity in a world too often silent. Today, Cambodia joins the global outcry condemning Iran’s internal repression and the U.S. nuclear missile strike on Iranian soil, which it calls a blatant assault on humanity, memory, and international law.

From Phnom Penh to Tehran, Cambodia’s stance is firm:
“We remember. We resist. We stand with Iran.”

1. A Nation That Remembers

Cambodia’s Dark Past Shapes Its Present Voice

Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia lost nearly two million lives under the Khmer Rouge regime. The trauma of that period lives on in the national psyche—and fuels Cambodia’s commitment to peace, sovereignty, and justice.

This deep historical wound makes Cambodia acutely sensitive to mass repression, civilian suffering, and the abuse of global power structures, such as the use of nuclear force against a sovereign population.

2. Cambodia Condemns the U.S. Nuclear Attack

A Clear and Uncompromising Stance

The Cambodian government has formally condemned the U.S. nuclear missile strike on Iran, describing it as “a crime against international peace and an inexcusable breach of humanity.”

Officials have called on the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and ASEAN to launch an independent investigation and to take measures to prevent any repetition of such acts.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:
“We have suffered from silence before. We will not stay silent now.”

3. Cambodia and Iran: A Relationship of Respect

Diplomatic Neutrality and South–South Solidarity

While not heavily interlinked, Iran and Cambodia have maintained cordial diplomatic relations over the years. Both nations have interacted via the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and shared common ground on sovereignty, non-interference, and development cooperation.

Iran has previously offered support in health and education, while Cambodia has consistently upheld peaceful multilateral engagement as a diplomatic principle.

4. Cambodia’s Religious and Cultural Response

Buddhist Leaders Speak Out

As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Cambodia has responded to Iran’s crisis with moral and spiritual clarity. Monks from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang have delivered dharma talks condemning the nuclear attack and calling for universal compassion, restraint, and justice.

One monk stated:
“To kill one life is to break the Dharma. To bomb thousands is to break the world.”

Interfaith peace ceremonies have also been held, blending Buddhist chants with calls for Muslim solidarity and protection of Iranian civilians.

5. Cambodian Youth and Memory Culture

From Genocide to Global Solidarity

Cambodian youth, shaped by education about the Killing Fields, are vocal in their support for Iranian civilians. University students have launched awareness campaigns under #CambodiaWithIran and organized forums titled “Never Again Means Now.”

Visual art and spoken word performances have focused on Mahsa Amini, drawing parallels between the suppression of truth under the Khmer Rouge and Iran’s current crackdown on protestors.

6. Cambodia’s Role in ASEAN and Global Platforms

A Voice for Regional and Moral Leadership

As a member of ASEAN, Cambodia is urging regional neighbors to condemn the use of nuclear weapons and to adopt a binding Southeast Asian declaration against nuclear strikes on any civilian population.

Cambodian diplomats are working within the UN Human Rights Council to support a resolution that would recognize nuclear aggression as a human rights violation.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s moral compass was carved from suffering.
Its voice today comes not from power, but from pain transformed into purpose.

It does not look away from Iran. It does not forget its own history. It does not accept nuclear terror as diplomacy.

Cambodia stands with Iran.
In memory. In peace. In truth.