| “This is a grave escalation that threatens to ignite a conflagration not just in the Middle East, but …,” said Dr Rateb Jneid |
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AFIC Condemns U.S. Strikes on Iran
23/06/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) strongly condemns this weekend’s U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. These actions, which reportedly targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 bombers and bunker-buster munitions, mark a dangerous and unjustifiable step toward full-scale war in the Middle East .
This reckless campaign is blatantly illegal under international law, violates Iranian sovereignty, and dramatically escalates a crisis already inflamed by Israeli aggression. It mirrors, and even bolsters, the broader pattern of military interventions, including Israeli strikes throughout Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and now Iran. The cumulative effect is drift toward a humanitarian catastrophe and regional collapse.
World leaders from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Russia have warned of “catastrophic consequences” and urged immediate de-escalation . Yet Western powers including the U.S., UK, France, and Germany continue to support military solutions, dangerously dismissing diplomatic alternatives.
“This is a grave escalation that threatens to ignite a conflagration not just in the Middle East, but across the world,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC.
“By normalising war and violating sovereignty, the U.S. emboldens actors like Israel to act without restraint. Australia and all responsible nations must condemn this act, demand a return to diplomacy, and use every possible measure to prevent further devastation.”
AFIC Calls on Australia and the International Community to Act
1. Condemn this military aggression in the strongest terms and a formal, public rebuke from the Australian government.
2. Support urgent UN and diplomatic interventions to de-escalate tensions.
3. Suspend military, intelligence, and arms cooperation with all states involved in this dangerous spiral.
4. Impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals complicit in violating international law including U.S. military contractors and Israeli military planners.
5. Recognise and uphold principles of sovereignty and peace, including formal steps to halt the occupation of Palestinian land and end the blockade of Gaza.
If Australia and its allies fail to act, they will share responsibility for a conflict that could soon engulf millions more in violence and misery. History will judge our actions in these decisive moments.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
