A group of filmmakers, artists, and academics has issued a public letter condemning recent U.S. military strikes against Iran, urging world leaders to prioritize diplomacy and recognize what they describe as the Iranian people’s right to determine their own political future. Among those who signed the statement are internationally recognized filmmakers such as Yorgos Lanthimos, director of “Poor Things,” and Mike Figgis, known for the Oscar-winning drama “Leaving Las Vegas.” The signatories describe themselves as a collective of cultural figures speaking out against war and foreign military intervention. The letter makes clear that its authors do not defend the current Iranian government. Iran’s leadership has faced intense criticism in recent years, particularly following violent crackdowns on domestic protests in which tens of thousands of demonstrators reportedly demanded political change. Human rights organizations have documented widespread repression during those demonstrations. Despite acknowledging those realities, the group argues that external military action is unlikely to help the Iranian people achieve meaningful political reform. “We, a collective of artists, cultural practitioners, and filmmakers, issue this statement in full awareness of our historical and ethical responsibility to unequivocally condemn war, military violence, and all forms of political and military intervention,” the letter states. The signatories emphasize that decisions about Iran’s political future should come from within the country itself rather than through foreign intervention. “We state clearly and without ambiguity that the destiny, future, and political determination of Iran belong exclusively to the people of Iran,” the letter continues. “No foreign power, no government, and no military coalition holds the legitimacy to determine the political, social, or historical trajectory of this land.” The statement frames self-determination as a fundamental principle in international politics, asserting that only the “free and conscious will of a people” can determine a nation’s path forward. Beyond criticizing the strikes themselves, the group calls for an end to broader military activity in the region. Instead, they advocate a renewed focus on diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to international law as the preferred tools for resolving conflict. According to the letter, both modern and historical examples demonstrate that military campaigns rarely produce stable or lasting peace. “No freedom has been delivered through missiles, sanctions, or occupation,” the statement argues. The authors contend that wars carried out under the banner of liberation often produce unintended consequences, including civilian casualties, economic hardship, and the breakdown of social institutions. They also warn that prolonged military escalation can deepen cycles of violence rather than resolve underlying political tensions. The statement arrives at a moment of heightened global attention on the conflict. President Donald Trump recently told reporters that the military confrontation could conclude soon, saying he expected the war to end “very soon.”