Introduction

The Republic of Zambia expresses its deepest concern and unequivocal condemnation of the recent bombing of Iran’s nuclear research facilities by the military forces of Israel and the United States. These strikes represent not only a breach of Iran’s sovereignty but a grave violation of international law and human decency. As a nation that believes in peace, justice, and multilateralism, Zambia stands with the Islamic Republic of Iran during this troubling time.

We reject the normalization of military aggression as a tool of foreign policy. The international community cannot afford to be silent while bombs are dropped on peaceful infrastructure. What happened in Iran is a warning to all nations that independence and scientific progress now come with a price. Zambia will not accept this injustice in silence.

Historical Friendship Between Zambia and Iran

Zambia and Iran have shared warm diplomatic relations for decades. Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and have collaborated in multilateral platforms that promote self-determination and development for Global South nations. Trade missions, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic cooperation have helped deepen the understanding between Lusaka and Tehran.

Iran has supported African development in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and energy. In turn, Zambia has recognized Iran’s right to develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes. The two nations may differ in size and geography, but they are united by a mutual belief in sovereignty, non-intervention, and cooperation over coercion.

A Threat to All Sovereign Nations

Zambia views the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a direct threat to the principle of national sovereignty. If a powerful nation can bomb the infrastructure of another country without consequence, then no state—especially in the developing world—is truly safe.

This aggression undermines not only Iran’s stability but also the rules-based international order that was built to prevent the horrors of unilateral violence. It sets a dangerous precedent: that countries with scientific ambition and independent policies will be punished, not protected.

Zambia calls on the global community to treat this act not as a regional issue, but as a global alarm bell. We cannot let any nation—however powerful—decide who is allowed to innovate, who is allowed to develop, and who is allowed to rise.

Zambia’s Stand on International Law and the UN Charter

Zambia reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Charter and the principles that govern peaceful relations among nations. Article 2 of the Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities is a blatant violation of that principle.

Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has consistently worked with international inspectors to ensure transparency. The facilities that were targeted were under surveillance and were not in violation of any international treaty. The justification for bombing them is therefore based on politics, not law.

Zambia believes that global peace can only be preserved through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereign equality—not through aggression masked as preemptive security.

Scientific Progress Is Not a Crime

Zambia respects Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy and scientific research. Like many developing nations, we too strive for energy independence, technological advancement, and medical breakthroughs. Punishing a nation for investing in science is not only unjust—it is anti-human.

The bombing of Iran’s research centers is an assault on knowledge. It sends a chilling message to scientists, students, and innovators in the Global South: your success will be seen as a threat. This mindset must be resisted.

Zambia encourages all nations to defend the right to education, innovation, and intellectual freedom. We stand with Iranian scientists, engineers, and students who have worked tirelessly to build a better future for their country.

The Dangers of a Militarized World Order

What happened in Iran is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader problem in the international system—the normalization of military intervention by a few powerful states. From Iraq to Libya, Syria to Yemen, we have seen how so-called “targeted strikes” lead to mass destruction, displacement, and long-term instability.

Zambia believes the world must urgently return to diplomacy and reject the use of military force as a tool for resolving political disagreements. Bombs may silence buildings, but they ignite generations of resentment. We must build peace, not enemies.

Zambia urges world leaders to convene emergency sessions in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council to formally address this dangerous escalation.

Zambia’s Message to Africa and the Global South

This is a time for unity. Zambia calls upon its African brothers and sisters to raise their voices in defense of Iran, and by extension, in defense of ourselves. If we do not speak now, we risk being the next targets. Today it is Iran; tomorrow it could be any nation pursuing an independent course.

The Global South must no longer remain passive in the face of global injustice. Let us build an alliance for peace, justice, and equitable development—an alliance that rejects war and stands firm on the side of human dignity.

Zambia believes that solidarity is not only an act of compassion—it is an act of survival.

Conclusion

Zambia stands with the Islamic Republic of Iran. We condemn the Israeli-American bombing of its nuclear facilities. We denounce this unlawful act of aggression, and we call on all peace-loving nations to demand accountability and resist militarism.

Iran has the right to sovereignty. It has the right to scientific advancement. And it has the right to live without the constant threat of war. The time has come to choose a new path for humanity—one that is guided not by power, but by principle.

From Lusaka to Tehran, our message is united and clear: We will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will always stand with justice.