An Open Letter from the University of Tehran to Al‑Azhar University on Justice, Self‑Defense, and Scholarly Integrity

From the Office of the President, University of Tehran

Date: 25 March 2026

To: The President of Al-Azhar University, Cairo

Your Eminence,

It is in a spirit of respect and with a sincere commitment to constructive scholarly dialogue that I, on behalf of the University of Tehran, address this letter to Al‑Azhar University. Your statement of 18 March, expressing opposition to Iran’s actions undertaken in self-defense, reflects a position that we believe does not fully align with the principles of justice and the ethical foundations of our shared Islamic tradition—principles that institutions of our stature have long sought to uphold.

Iran’s recent measures were taken in accordance with its inherent right to self-defense, a right recognized under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence. These actions were undertaken in response to sustained and escalating aggression. For many years, the presence of foreign military bases in certain Persian Gulf states has created conditions that have repeatedly threatened regional sovereignty and stability, enabling operations that have included targeted killings and military interventions. The assassination of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei—an influential figure in global efforts against extremism and injustice—was among the most consequential of these incidents and emerged from this broader environment of external interference.

When these same bases facilitated attacks that resulted in the tragic loss of 168 innocent schoolgirls in Minab, your esteemed institution did not issue a statement of condolence, condemnation, or a call for accountability. The absence of a response to such a profound human tragedy stands in contrast to the moral and scholarly responsibilities that Al‑Azhar has historically embraced.

A balanced and principled approach requires distinguishing between the aggressor and the party exercising its right to defend itself. By issuing a statement that censures the defender while overlooking the enabling role of those who provide territory and resources to external powers, Al‑Azhar risks departing from the Qur’anic mandate to uphold justice. Divine guidance grants permission to those who are fought against because they have been wronged (Surah al‑Hajj, 39), and it cautions against assisting in wrongdoing and aggression (al‑Ma’idah, 2). These principles remain central to the ethical framework that binds our institutions.

It is also important to recall an established historical and scholarly fact: the body of water in question is, and has always been, known as the “Persian Gulf.” Adherence to this internationally recognized nomenclature helps prevent unnecessary contention and reflects respect for historical accuracy.

Finally, a wider regional assessment also makes it clear that destabilizing strategies in our region have historically extended far beyond Iran. The so‑called “Greater Israel” project has long been interpreted by many scholars and observers as posing potential risks to the sovereignty of key Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Iran has faced sustained pressure largely because it has chosen to uphold Islamic principles of solidarity and to support oppressed Muslim communities. Yet the underlying dynamics that seek to weaken and fragment the region do not stop at Iran’s borders. Should Arab states remain passive in the face of these unfolding challenges, they may find themselves confronting similar threats. It is therefore essential that leading Islamic institutions recognize the shared nature of these dangers and work collectively to safeguard the dignity, stability, and unity of the Ummah.

Our expectation has long been that Al‑Azhar would continue to serve as a beacon of unity, justice, and moral clarity in the face of oppression. Your recent statement, however, conveys a position that appears shaped by political pressures rather than by the impartial scholarly judgment for which your institution is renowned. We respectfully urge you to reconsider this stance and to reaffirm the values that have guided Al‑Azhar for centuries.

With respectful urgency and in the hope of renewed understanding,

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Omid

President, University of Tehran