Online Reporter
Anesu January
Herald Reporter
The University of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, convened a high-level seminar on Tuesday calling for strengthened academic cooperation, peace-building initiatives and protection of international law in the wake of escalating Zionist aggression against Iran.
Speaking at the seminar, chairperson of the Department of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, Dr Agness Chiwara, said the dialogue, themed “A Multi-Dimensional Lens on Zionist Aggression Against the Islamic Republic of Iran”, brought together participants from various religious backgrounds, theological colleges and universities.
“You know, there is a saying that there is unity in diversity, so, we value those various religious perspectives and the role of religion in terms of dealing with peace and conflict resolution,” she said.
Dr Chiwara said the seminar was timely, coming as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies, with social injustices deepening across affected communities.
“The social injustices that are happening show the need to examine the role of religion in development, peace and conflict resolution,” she said.
“When we are dealing with this issue, we are in line with Education 5.0 and the UN Agenda 2030 on peace and conflict resolution. As a university, we are also advocating for that.”
Iran’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Amir Hossein Hosseini, gave legal and humanitarian account of what he described as clear violations of international law following Israeli attacks launched on June 13, 2025.
He said Israel had carried out an unprovoked, large-scale armed assault against Iran.
“It is a violation of the United Nations Charter, a cornerstone of the international legal order. The nature and scope of these strikes, including bombardments, correspond directly to the acts of aggression listed in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314,” Ambassador Hosseini said.
“Our report makes it clear that no claim of pre-emptive self-defence can justify such an action. The UN Charter restricts the right to self-defence strictly to cases where an armed attack has already occurred, not where one is imagined or anticipated.
“Accordingly, this offensive constitutes a serious breach of a peremptory norm, a jus cogens prohibition against aggression.”
Ambassador Hosseini said documentation compiled by Iran identified civilian targets, including residential areas and medical facilities.
“In the first 65 hours of bombardment, over 90 percent of nearly 1 500 casualties were civilians — men, women and children,” he said.
“These are not unfortunate accidents nor incidental damage. They are the product of wanton, reckless and indiscriminate attacks — acts that, in the language of international law, amount to war crimes.”
He urged the academic and international community to push the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to condemn the aggression, hold perpetrators accountable and take urgent measures to restore peace.
“Until such measures are taken, the Islamic Republic of Iran maintains that its exercise of the inherent right to self-defence remains not only justified but legally and morally imperative.”
Representing the cultural dimension of the seminar, Cultural Counsellor at the Iranian Embassy, Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar, said the gathering sought to look beyond politics and explore the human, cultural and moral dimensions of the conflict.
“The recent aggression by the Zionist regime, supported by the United States, against the Islamic Republic of Iran, is not just a political event. It is a moral, cultural and humanitarian challenge that affects people’s lives, dreams and sense of justice,” he said.
Mr Bakhtiyar said the attacks extended beyond physical harm, targeting Iran’s cultural identity, values and dignity.
“It is part of a wider effort to suppress independent voices and destroy the spiritual and intellectual heritage of a proud nation.”
Mr Bakhtiyar said culture remains a powerful instrument for peace-building.
“They connect us beyond geography and ideology. In both Iran and Zimbabwe, our histories tell a similar story: that the struggle for independence is not merely about defending borders — it is about protecting human dignity, spiritual freedom and the right to define our own destiny,” he said.
Mr Bakhtiyar said partnerships such as the one between UZ and the Cultural Centre of Iran demonstrates that academic dialogue is a form of resistance and a tool for advancing global peace.
“Let us make this seminar a meaningful step toward greater understanding, cooperation and peace — not only for Iran and Zimbabwe but for all humanity,” he said.
