Iranian Philosopher Condemns US and Israeli ‘Scientific Terrorism’: A Bold Critique

In a recent conference held in Tehran, the head of Iran’s Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences condemned what he termed “scientific terrorism” perpetrated by the United States and Israeli regime. This act of targeting scientists both in Iran and globally has raised significant concerns among academics and researchers alike.

Mohammad Javad Larijani made these remarks during the “Scholars Rise Against Sophicide” conference, which brought together prominent scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds to shed light on the alarming threats facing scientists around the world. The event served as a platform to expose the attacks on researchers and emphasize the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of scientific inquiry.

Larijani commenced his address by honoring the martyrs of the 12-day war of aggression imposed by Israel and the US on Iran in June. He cautioned that the regimes in Washington and Tel Aviv have now overtly displayed a disturbing modus operandi. He stated, “If they dislike a scientist, they can assassinate them by any means.” This statement illustrates a shift from secretive actions to openly targeting individuals, including the well-documented assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan.

During his speech, Larijani referred to the 12-day war as a prime example where scientists were attacked even when accompanied by their families. This was justified under the pretense of preventing the development of nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s clear prohibition against bomb-making, as articulated in a fatwa by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

Moreover, Larijani criticized the prevailing Western dominance over scientific knowledge, highlighting the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a mechanism utilized to limit access to essential scientific information. He remarked, “Science is considered suitable only for some nations because maintaining dominance requires it.” This assertion raises questions about the ethics of scientific access and the implications of monopolizing knowledge.

In his address, Larijani emphasized the crucial role of ethical scientific practices. He underscored that scientists should not be deprived of their research opportunities or threatened in any way that could hinder their work. The conference aimed to advocate for the rights of researchers and to resist the intimidation tactics employed by those in power.

• Scientific Terrorism: The term used to describe the targeted actions against scientists, particularly by the US and Israeli regimes.
• Key Conference Highlights: The “Scholars Rise Against Sophicide” conference featured discussions on global threats to scientific inquiry.
• Ethical Practices: A call for maintaining ethical standards in scientific research and protecting researchers from threats.
• Western Monopoly: Critique of the Western approach to scientific knowledge, especially through treaties like the NPT.

Larijani’s poignant remarks resonate deeply within the academic community, where the safety of researchers is paramount for the continued advancement of science. The growing trend of targeting scientists based on political agendas raises ethical questions about the responsibilities of nations in safeguarding the freedom of inquiry.

As the conference progressed, attendees engaged in discussions aimed at formulating strategies to combat these threats. The need for a united front to protect scientists from acts of violence and oppression was a recurring theme throughout the event. Participants expressed solidarity in their commitment to upholding the principles of scientific integrity against attempts to undermine it.

In conclusion, the “Scholars Rise Against Sophicide” conference served not only as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by scientists but also as a rallying point for advocating the right to pursue knowledge without fear. The message was clear: the international community must stand together to defend the sanctity of scientific research and ensure that ethical practices prevail in the face of adversity.