Iranian Filmmaker Jafar Panahi Calls For Peace & Regime Change Amid Rising Tensions

In a dramatic and emotionally charged appeal, acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi has broken his silence on the growing hostilities between Iran and Israel. Taking to social media, the filmmaker voiced a dual condemnation—calling out the aggression of Israel while simultaneously demanding the dissolution of the regime ruling his homeland. Amid rising tensions and international concern, Panahi’s words stand out for their courage and clarity, spotlighting the voices of dissent within Iran’s tightly controlled political environment.

A Defiant Voice Calling for Peace

Panahi used his platform to urge the United Nations and the broader global community to intervene and put a stop to the ongoing violence. His statement reads like a cry for justice, calling on international authorities to “immediately and decisively compel both regimes to cease their military attacks and end the killing of civilians.”


Despite his support for national integrity, Panahi did not hesitate to hold Israel accountable for what he described as serious violations. “Israel has violated the integrity of the country and should be tried as a wartime aggressors before an international tribunal,” he said, emphasising that condemning external aggression must not overshadow the systemic issues festering within Iran itself.

Challenging the Leadership at Home

Beyond the international dimension, Panahi's most striking statements were directed at the government of Iran. He labelled the current system as illegitimate, stating that “the only possible way to escape is the immediate dissolution of this system and the establishment of a people’s responsive and democratic government.”

His words resonate with a public that has seen decades of political repression, economic hardship, and censorship. In a nation where freedom of speech can come at a steep cost, Panahi’s decision to speak openly adds to his legacy as not only an artist but also a steadfast dissident.

Condemning Four Decades of Tyranny

The filmmaker did not mince words when referring to Iran’s leadership, asserting that it has failed the people over the past forty years. “This position in no way means that we should ignore four decades of mismanagement, corruption, oppression, tyranny and incompetence on the part of the Islamic Republic,” Panahi wrote.

This kind of public rebuke is rare and especially significant coming from a high-profile figure. The director’s willingness to critique both external enemies and internal powers reflects the sentiments of many Iranians who find themselves caught between nationalism and frustration with their own government.

The Price of Speaking Out

Jafar Panahi is no stranger to the consequences of defiance. The 64-year-old filmmaker has faced repeated persecution for his outspokenness, including imprisonment and a ban on filmmaking. His body of work has often challenged the Iranian regime, leading to charges of producing “propaganda against the state.”

In 2022 and 2023, he was incarcerated for seven months after protesting the imprisonment of fellow director Mohammad Rasoulof. Despite state-imposed restrictions, Panahi has continued to create thought-provoking films like Taxi Tehran, No Bears, and This Is Not a Film, which have garnered international acclaim and awards.

Return to Homeland Despite Threats

After receiving the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest film It Was Just An Accident, Panahi returned to Iran, a move that many considered bold given the ongoing threats to his safety. Upon arrival at the airport, he was greeted by a small group of supporters. Among them, one voice stood out, echoing the now-iconic slogan: “woman, life, freedom”—a chant that has come to symbolise resistance in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody in 2022.

A Director with Global Relevance

Panahi’s voice matters not only within Iran but also on the global stage. His plea for democratic reforms and international justice has reignited attention toward the political climate in Iran, just as tensions with Israel have further complicated the region’s fragile balance. While his current location remains unknown, his words continue to ripple across borders, reminding the world that courage often comes from those with the most to lose.