TÜBA Statement on The Escalating Crisis in The Middle East
The International Relations Working Group of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), at its meeting on March 12, 2026, examined the war that began following the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, the deepening of conflicts in the Middle East, the Gulf, and Lebanon, and the humanitarian crisis in its regional and global dimensions. Following the general situation assessment conducted at the meeting, it was unanimously decided to share the following declaration with the international academic community and the public.
TÜBA recalls that, pursuant to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, no state may use force against another state. Under the claims of self-defense, no political, ideological, or security justification can legitimize the use of force against civilians or the violation of states' territorial integrity and sovereign rights.
The loss of civilian lives, particularly children, in the conflicts in the region is being followed with deep concern. Deliberate attacks on drinking water, energy, food, healthcare, education, and civilian residential areas constitute clear violations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions. Environmental destruction and the destruction of cultural heritage are leading to irreparable consequences and large-scale displacement movements.
The targeting of educational and research institutions, regardless of the country of origin, is unacceptable. The loss of lives of students and scientists, and the rendering of academic institutions dysfunctional across all conflict geographies of the Middle East, particularly in Iran, Lebanon, and the Gulf region, signifies the breaking of the chain of scientific continuity. Wars come to an end, yet rebuilding a destroyed educational institution and restoring a generation of researchers that has been impeded takes generations.
In this regard, we call upon the international community and all relevant parties to take collective action on the following points:
· Attacks on drinking water, energy, food, health, education, and civilian residential areas, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in all conflict zones must cease immediately, and obligations arising from the Geneva Conventions must be complied with unconditionally.
· The sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internal affairs of all states in the region must be respected, and rights guaranteed under international law must be effectively protected across all geographies.
· Scientific research activities and the institutions in which these activities are conducted are protected against attacks within the framework of international law. In order for scientific activities to be sustained in conflict-affected areas, the conflicting parties must refrain from attacks that could affect these institutions.
· All parties must make effective use of diplomatic channels for a permanent ceasefire encompassing the entire region, and international scientific organizations must promote science and cooperation as a bridge in peace processes.
Human life and dignity stand above all political considerations and disputes. Through this declaration, TÜBA draws attention to the common rights of all peoples living in the region, to the founding principles of the UN, and to the universal values of humanity. Our Academy will continue to defend the right to life with determination and to sustain its calls for the establishment of lasting peace.
Turkish Academy of Sciences
Academy Council