On November 12, 2024, ADPF joined an EU declaration implementing restrictive measures against Iran. These measures were taken in response to Iran’s military support for Russia and various armed groups in the Middle East. The EU and ADPF recognize that Iran’s military and political influence in the region contributes to destabilization and poses a threat to peace and security across several countries.
Iran occupied the state of Ahwaz in 1925, marking a turning point in Iranian expansion and influence in the Middle East. By occupying Ahwaz, Iran secured strategic access to the borders of several neighboring countries in the region. This enabled Iran to expand its intelligence and security activities in the Middle East, gradually strengthening its position and influence.
Since 1985, Iran’s support for militant groups has become widely recognized, with Hezbollah as a prominent example. This support has since extended to several armed groups in the Middle East, including those in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. Iran’s support has contributed to the continuation and intensification of armed conflicts in these areas, making it increasingly difficult to establish peace and stability.
The EU should support Ahwaz’s right to become an independent country, free from Iranian occupation. Such independence for Ahwaz would be a critical first step in reducing Iran’s influence in the Middle East. By supporting Ahwaz’s liberation, the EU can help weaken Iran’s power base, thereby reducing its military and political activities in the region.
To achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, it is essential that the international community acknowledges the need to free the region from the influence of the Iranian regime. Iran’s regime has long undermined peace in the region, and limiting its influence would be an important step toward a more peaceful future. The world should, therefore, support measures that promote a transition in Iran toward a regime that can contribute to regional peace and cooperation.
Ahwazi Democratic Popular Front (ADPF) international relationship committee
