Our Statement on the War on Iran

12 March 2026

The union movement has always understood that the fight for workers’ rights is inseparable from the struggle for peace and justice.

Martin Luther King Jr. warned that racism, poverty and war are the three great evils that threaten humanity.

As the union representing workers in global aid, human rights, and community support organisations, and with many members with close ties to the Middle East, we are deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the safety of families and communities across the region.

Many ASU members are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety about the lives and wellbeing of their loved ones and communities as the violence continues unabated, often targeting non-military areas that house families and community infrastructure including schools, hospitals and food supplies. 

We condemn the military strikes and the dangerous escalation that have plunged the Middle East and beyond into violence, risking protracted war.

The lives of millions of civilians are at risk. A region already scarred by decades of conflict cannot endure another devastating war.  

We call on the Australian Government to show leadership in defending the UN Charter, human rights and the rule of international law.

Australia must not support or be involved in illegal wars. Our government must stand with the international community in upholding peace and respect for international law. 

We stand in solidarity with the courageous people of Iran who continue to resist an oppressive authoritarian regime.

We applaud the courage of the Iranian women, unionists and the broader democracy movement in Iran protesting for freedom from oppression.    

We condemn the Iranian regime’s brutal repression of protesters, the use of the death penalty to silence dissent, restriction of communication, and systematic repression of women and political opponents including trade unions.  

The future of Iran must be decided by the Iranian people themselves, free from both the violence of their own repressive regime and the interference of foreign military powers. 

Show your support for global solidarity by joining APHEDA, the union movement’s international aid & peace organisation apheda.org.au/join 

This statement has been endorsed by the democratically elected members of the ASU SA + NT Branch Executive