Iran’s cultural community rebukes Israeli strikes, urges national unity
Iranian cultural and artistic figures denounced Israel’s airstrike on Iran early Friday, June 13, which killed senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Many described the attack as an escalation intended to provoke instability, while urging unity and resilience.
The chorus of condemnation came swiftly after what Tehran says was a “deliberate and premeditated” attack on multiple locations. Artists, government officials, and major cultural institutions struck a tone of both mourning and defiance, vowing that the nation “will not fall.”
Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri said the Israeli attack was “part of a larger scenario” orchestrated by former US President Donald Trump to “buy time” for Israel’s military readiness.
He linked the strike to diplomatic pressure from Europe, particularly France, and a recent IAEA resolution, calling it a “coordinated move” to justify aggression.
“Our nation already hated the child-killing regime. Now it hates it more,” he warned, predicting the assault will only “strengthen national identity” and unify the public.
Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi emphasized the importance of national media in shaping public sentiment, citing remarks by Iran’s Leader. “All factions spoke with one voice,” he said, urging Iran’s broadcasting system to reflect the country’s political and cultural diversity in this critical moment.
In a symbolic post, a page associated with acclaimed poet Mohammadreza Shafiei Kadkani invoked national perseverance: “Iran will not fall. It beats on… like the phoenix rising from ash.” The post echoed a powerful sentiment that “giants come and go, but Iran remains.”
Filmmaker Ebrahim Hatamikia, known for his wartime dramas, addressed top IRGC commanders killed in the strike. “Nothing but martyrdom suits men like you,” he wrote. Describing Israel as a “cowardly” and “child-killing” force, he called for retaliation, “This is no time for hesitation… there’s only one path left — to discipline this Zionist invader.”
Director Davood Mirbagheri, currently producing the epic series ‘Salman the Persian,’ said the show now carries a heavier burden: to “honor the sacred striving” of Iran’s fallen scientists and generals. “They journeyed to the divine by way of their blood,” he said, adding, “We hope our work pays tribute to these noble lives.”
Cultural institutions also rallied. The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued a statement urging artists to use their craft “to reflect the nation’s resilience” and resist psychological warfare. “Let the voice of art be the voice of truth and unity,” the ministry said.
Islamic Culture and Relations Organization head Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour described the attack as “a clear violation of international law and national sovereignty,” naming slain generals and scientists. He vowed the “blood of our martyrs will not be spilled in vain,” signaling a firm response.
Iran Book and Literature House decried the airstrike as another page in the “bloody history of Zionist crimes,” calling on Iranian writers to stand firm. “The enemy will not leave unscathed,” it said. “Writers must wield their pens for unity and strength.”
The Iranian House of Music called on global organizations to respond. “We stand with the oppressed people of Iran,” it said. “International bodies must act against such brutal violations of human rights.”
The House of Cinema, representing Iranian filmmakers and actors, issued a plain but powerful statement: “Any attack on Iran is unacceptable to every true Iranian.”
Individual artists, musicians, and actors flooded social media with messages of solidarity and grief. Classical vocalist Homayoun Shajarian prayed for Iran’s safety. Composer Karen Homayounfar and singers Ali Zand Vakili, Reza Sadeghi, and Farzad Farzin condemned the violence and called for calm.
Actor Parviz Parastouei and dozens of others — including Shabnam Moghaddami, Maral Baniadam, and Mohammadreza Golzar — mourned the loss of civilian lives and urged unity. Many emphasized the need for verified information, amid a wave of rumors and heightened tensions.
The outpouring of grief and defiance highlights a broader cultural response to one of the most significant escalations in recent years. While political consequences remain uncertain, one thing is clear: Iran’s artistic and cultural sectors are standing firmly in step with the broader call for national unity — and for justice.