January 22, 2026
Your Excellency,
I write on behalf of American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, in response to the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on its own population. Credible reports from human rights organizations indicate that thousands of Iranians have been killed, and many more have been arrested as security forces violently suppress demonstrations. These developments underscore the urgent need for decisive international action.
Millions of Iranian citizens have demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of this repression. Their actions reflect a widespread desire for dignity, accountability, and a more peaceful and secure future, and they deserve the solidarity and support of the international community.
The situation in Iran matters far beyond its borders. A regime that systematically violates the rights of its own citizens, exports extremism, and fuels regional instability poses a direct challenge to the principles of human dignity, international law, and global security. Through its terror arm, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and support to proxies and surrogates ranging from Hezbollah and the Houthis to Hamas, Iran has for decades destabilized the region and targeted Jewish life specifically, whether by attacking Israel or Jewish communities around the world.
Silence or inaction in the face of such abuses only emboldens further violence and impunity.
The Iranian regime’s dangerous influence has grown in concert with other malign actors that threaten international peace and security. The deepening relationship between Tehran and Moscow, including Iran’s provision of drones and other military support used by Russia in its war against Ukraine, demonstrates how Iran’s destabilizing behavior now extends well beyond the Middle East, with grave consequences for European and global security.
At this critical moment, the international community has a moral responsibility to act in solidarity with the Iranian people. We commend governments that have already spoken out in support of the Iranian people and condemned the regime’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Such leadership sends an essential message to both victims and perpetrators alike.
AJC respectfully urges your government to take the following actions:
Hold Iran’s leadership accountable for grave human rights violations by expanding coordinated sanctions against those responsible and by enacting terrorism designations against the IRGC, which plays a central role in domestic repression and international terror.
Expel Iranian ambassadors where present, and publicly and unequivocally condemn the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown through formal diplomatic channels and in multilateral fora, including the United Nations. This includes the special session on Iran that the UN Human Rights Council will convene on January 23.
Provide humanitarian protection by offering safe harbor to Iranians who manage to flee and facilitating the exit of those who credibly fear retaliation by the regime.
Support access to information by helping Iranian citizens evade internet shutdowns and surveillance, and by ensuring that human rights monitors have access to secure communications technologies.
Sustain international pressure on state and non-state actors that bolster the Iranian regime, imposing meaningful economic, political, and diplomatic consequences.
The Iranian people deserve a government that respects democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. Supporting their aspirations is not only a matter of solidarity, but of advancing long-term regional and global stability.
We appreciate your leadership and attention at this pivotal moment. Through AJC’s offices across the United States and around the world, my colleagues and I stand ready to serve as a resource as you consider these urgent challenges.
Respectfully,
Ted Deutch
Chief Executive Officer
American Jewish Committee
Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the CEO
