POSTPONED – MOHAAT Inaugural Conference 2026

As indicated in our original call for papers and subsequent invitations, our planning has always been cognizant of the persistent threat posed by the imperial aggressions, a condition inherent to Iran’s pivotal role in the Arab Iranian region, and in its principled position on materially challenging US-Zionist colonial and imperial aggression in West Asia. It was our earnest hope that such a contingency would not materialize; regrettably, it has.

A thorough analysis of the events of 8-10 January will be essential in due course. However, given the profound chasm between the material realities on the ground and the ongoing media warfare, we feel it is imperative to note the following: the protests originated as a response to recent neoliberal economic measures implemented under the current administration led by President Masoud Pezeshkian —measures that operate in concert with the comprehensive sanctions regime. These protests were rapidly and decisively hijacked by imperialist forces, transforming them into an organized, armed attempt at a coup d’état. This effort employed trained operatives linked to external intelligence agencies, who executed tactics reminiscent of ISIS violence. For scholars of history, the operational patterns bore a disturbing resonance with the CIA-MI6 orchestrated coup of 1953 against Mosaddegh, replicating its use of paid agitators and familiar structural blueprint in Iran. This model is further tragically familiar to those who have analyzed the destruction of Syria through an anti-imperialist analytical framework.

While the attempted destabilization was confronted and contained within a few days, the imperialist media apparatus has subsequently leveraged these events to manufacture consent for a potential military campaign against Iran. The threat of direct US aggression is severe, and the risk of attack remains elevated. Consequently, upon the advisory of the university, we have concluded that hosting a large international gathering in Iran at this juncture is inadvisable.

We are deeply moved and grateful for the resolve expressed by so many of you, whose determination to attend in February stands as a powerful testament to international solidarity. It is precisely with the safety of our comrades in mind that the organizing committee has made the difficult decision to postpone the conference. We intend to reschedule once conditions have stabilized to a reasonable degree—understanding, of course, that such stability remains contingent.

For participants who have already obtained visas, we will be in contact to facilitate their renewal once a new date is set. For those who have not yet applied, this postponement will allow sufficient time for applying and processing, also once we have a new date. We also encourage you to continue developing your papers, as we remain committed to producing an edited volume from the conference contributions.

In the interim, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

In Solidarity,

The Organizing Committee
Center for Resistance, Sovereignty, and Development Studies (MOHAAT)
University of Tehran