March 2, 2026
Tsuyoshi Masuda
President, Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the large-scale operation was a success, emphasizing that military operations will continue without interruption. In their attacks against 20 cities, hundreds of civilians were killed or injured, according to international human rights organizations, and more than 100 students were reportedly killed at an elementary school in the south of the country.

The act by the U.S. and Israel is absolutely unacceptable as it is a clear violation of the UN Charter and contrary to the international order and the rule of law. Attacking Iran while negotiations were underway for inspections regarding its nuclear program is morally unacceptable. An independent nation’s system is not a matter for other countries to intervene in, but should be determined by its sovereign people. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed strong concern, saying that it “constitutes a grave threat to international peace and security,” and “Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations.”

The Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions protests with strong indignation against the latest outrage by the U.S. Trump administration following its military intervention of Venezuela and the abduction of its president. We demand that it immediately halt the military attack. The Japanese government, speaking only about ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens and gathering related information, has failed to mention its stance on the military attack. As the prime minister of a country with a pacifist constitution, we urge Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to stop being subservient to the Trump Administration, which continues to disregard international law, and to cooperate with the international community to protest against this attack.

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