12th of the month of Ramadhan, 1447 AH, corresponding to March 2, 2026
The Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America has issued a strong statement condemning the recent military aggression carried out by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Council described the attacks as unjustified, destabilizing, and in clear violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The Council expressed profound grief over the tragic human cost of these strikes, including the deliberate targeting of religious and political figures — especially His Eminence Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may Allah be pleased with him), alongside members of his family — and the reported deaths of more than 160 primary schoolgirls. According to the Council, these assaults on innocent civilians and the nation’s leadership constitute a severe moral and humanitarian violation, threatening both regional stability and global peace.
In solidarity with the Iranian people, the Council echoed the message of condolence and guidance issued by the religious authority, His Eminence the Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, in the Holy Najaf, Iraq, calling upon the great nation of Iran to preserve unity, exercise patience, and remain steadfast during these profoundly challenging times. The Council also urged all communities and citizens worldwide to reject aggression, uphold justice, and pray for the protection of innocent lives.
This is the original statement:
Statement Condemning the Recent Unjustified War
The Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America strongly condemns the use of military aggression as a path to resolving issues among nations. This stance is based on the moral values cherished and continuously voiced by all faiths and confirmed by the United Nations charter.
The Council is deeply dismayed by the attack of Israel and the United States on Islamic Republic of Iran, which will bring nothing but loss of lives, destruction of properties, and further destabilization of the region. As many others, we are shocked at the deliberate targeting of the religious and political figures, especially Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and we decry and denounce this act of unwarranted aggression. We fully echo the words of our religious authority, the Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, which he issued today:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
“… Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.” (Quran 2: 156)
With deep sorrow, I extend my condolences to the noble people of Iran and to Muslims throughout the world on the martyrdom of the esteemed Leader of the Islamic Republic, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei (may Allah be pleased with him). The lofty status of this great personality and his unique role in leading and steering the system of the Islamic Republic over many years are evident to all.
There is no doubt that the enemies, by assassinating him and carrying out widespread military aggression against the country, seek to strike a blow against beloved Iran. The great nation of this land is expected, under these difficult and sensitive circumstances, to preserve unity and national cohesion and not allow aggressors to achieve their malicious objectives.
I ask Almighty God to grant the departed blessed soul elevated ranks and divine pleasure, and to bestow beautiful patience and abundant reward upon all those grieving this loss.
And there is no power nor strength except through Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
11th of the Blessed Month of Ramadan, 1447 AH
Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani
The Council of Shia Muslims of North America strongly urges the Shia Muslim communities in North America to utilize the holy nights of the month of Ramadan to hold prayer and memorial services for their fellow Muslims of Iran, exercise patience, and express their feelings and opinions in a manner befitting responsible and engaged citizens.
We ask God, the Most High, for success in performing good deeds and to hasten the Return of Our Master, Imam Mahdi (p).
The Administration Committee
The Council of the Shia Muslim Scholars of North America
