Lucknow Islamic Leaders Voice Strong Support for Iran, Demand Sanctions Removal
Prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders in Lucknow have expressed deep concern about the escalating situation in Iran. They are calling on global powers to prioritize peaceful dialogue over military conflict. These leaders have made several urgent demands to address the crisis.
Immediate Demands from Lucknow Scholars
The scholars presented clear demands during their statements:
- Immediate lifting of Western sanctions against Iran
- Indian government support for Iran's current regime
- United Nations intervention to prevent potential US-Israel strikes
- Respect for Iran's sovereignty and international law
Economic Sanctions Crippling Iran's Stability
Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, a leading Shia cleric, emphasized how sanctions have devastated Iran's economy. "Western powers imposed sanctions alleging uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons," he stated. "But their true motives involve Iran's oil resources and targeting a nation in turmoil. Remove these sanctions, and Iran will flourish like any other country."
Jawwad urged the Indian government to abandon neutrality and stand with Iran. He distinguished between legitimate economic protests and attacks on national infrastructure. "A true Iranian may protest inflation and unemployment," he explained, "but will never attack their own country's mosques, hospitals, or government buildings."
Accusations of Foreign Interference
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, directly accused the United States and Israel of fueling unrest. "All Iranians support Ayatollah Khamenei and the Islamic Republic," he asserted. "Indian Muslims, particularly Shias, stand firmly with him."
Abbas appealed for Indian government support for Iran over Israel during this crisis. He dismissed reports of mass casualties and claimed life continues normally in Iran. Religious caravans from India still travel to Iran without problems, according to his observations.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution Through UN
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, emphasized that war never solves problems. "People in India, especially Muslims, are very concerned," he noted. "The international community, particularly the United Nations, should intervene peacefully."
Highlighting historical India-Iran ties, he questioned foreign interference. "Iran is a sovereign nation," he stated. "How can America's interference be justified? Such actions clearly violate international laws."
He also condemned excessive force against protesters while stressing that legal protests must be respected. "Suppressing voices gives other countries excuses to interfere," he warned. The internet shutdown in Iran has left many Lucknow residents unable to contact relatives there.
Claims of Media Distortion
From Kintoor in Barabanki, Dr. Rehan Kazmi echoed similar concerns. He alleged Western media distorts facts about Iran. "Whether to please the US or Israel, media shows things in distorted ways," he claimed. "The reality shows majority support for Ayatollah Khamenei."
Kazmi cited conversations with his cousin studying in Iran, who confirmed large pro-Khamenei rallies in Qom, Mashhad, and Tehran. "If Israel or the US attacks, Iran will respond strongly," he added. "They have prepared for this possibility for twenty years."
Questioning Protest Narratives
Another cleric, Maulana Hasnain Baqri, challenged media portrayals of chaos in Iran. His brother has lived there as a religious scholar for over two decades. "Iran remains stable," Baqri insisted. "Media has hyped and projected chaos. Only a few people faced arrests and jail."
He suggested visual manipulation of protest footage. "Crowds of one to two thousand people were filmed from angles to appear like ten thousand," he explained.
These Lucknow leaders collectively urge immediate action to prevent further escalation. They emphasize diplomatic solutions, economic relief through sanctions removal, and respect for Iran's sovereignty as essential steps toward regional stability.
