Nobel Peace Prize-winning Iranian human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi has condemned military strikes on Iran and issued a heartfelt plea for peace, warning that “democracy, human rights and freedom cannot come through violence and war”.
Speaking to the BBC via an interpreter on Wednesday, Mohammadi described recent attacks on Iranian infrastructure as “horrendous” and said she had left Tehran for safety. “It was one of the worst and most terrifying experiences we have had,” she said.
Mohammadi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her long-standing campaign against Iran’s mandatory hijab laws and for women’s rights, has repeatedly criticised violence as a means of achieving political change. Her comments come amid growing international concern over potential escalation following reports of Israeli airstrikes in the region.
The prominent activist, who has been imprisoned multiple times in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison for her peaceful activism, was released on medical grounds. Now outside the capital, she has used her platform to sound the alarm about the consequences of conflict in civilian areas.
On Tuesday, Mohammadi posted a moving statement on X (formerly Twitter) in response to calls for civilians to evacuate Tehran. “What does ‘Evacuate Tehran’ even mean?” she wrote. “Tehran is home to 10 million people… Which of them are we meant to carry on our shoulders to save from death and devastation? Do not destroy my city. End this war.”
The Iranian government has not responded directly to her remarks, but tensions remain high as the region braces for possible retaliatory actions.
Mohammadi’s message – rejecting war as a vehicle for democracy – is likely to echo far beyond Iran’s borders as international actors consider their next steps in the volatile region.
