Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | February 4, 2026— The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is deeply troubled by the escalating situation in Iran and strongly opposes any effort to exploit this moment to justify U.S. or foreign military intervention.
Recent reports indicate the administration is considering a number of military options, all under the guise of protecting protestors. We must be clear, these deliberations have very little to do safeguarding the free expression of the Iranian people, and will only intensify the pain and suffering. U.S. military strikes would represent yet another instance of this administration advancing the agenda of war hawks in Washington and the Israeli government.
New reports that U.S. and Iranian officials are engaging in quiet talks in Oman underscore that diplomacy remains possible. We urge the administration to build on this opportunity and resist the pressure to escalate militarily.
History makes clear that foreign intervention does not bring peace or stability. From the 1953 coup to more recent failed interventions across the region, external meddling has consistently deepened suffering and undermined genuine self-determination.
At the same time, the Iranian people deserve to be able to protest and demand accountability without fear of violence or reprisal from their own government. The killing and abuse of civilians exercising these basic rights is unacceptable and must end.
MPAC unequivocally condemns the violence against the people of Iran. The killing of unarmed protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly is a grave violation of human rights and dignity. Every Iranian deserves the freedom to demand economic justice, political reform, and accountable governance without fear of state-sanctioned violence as does every human being.
The Iranian people do not need regime-change centered, foreign military intervention or unelected exiles elevated by outside powers. They need space to determine their future themselves, without intimidation from their government and without manipulation and attack by foreign powers pursuing longstanding agendas.
