Iranian Science Minister Condemns Scientific Sanctions at UNESCO Global Summit

Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Dr. Hossein Simaee strongly criticized the imposition of scientific sanctions during his address at a UNESCO global meeting in Paris, arguing that such measures violate the organization’s commitment to open access to research and educational resources.  

The minister’s remarks spurred UNESCO Deputy Director-General to call for a reevaluation of the issue, with participants unanimously acknowledging the need for further investigation. The Iranian official underscored that UN Security Council Resolution 2231 does not authorize sanctions against Iran, emphasizing that restricting scientific cooperation lacks legal legitimacy.  

“Scientific sanctions fundamentally contradict UNESCO’s mandate to promote open science and equitable access to knowledge,” he stated. “While the U.S. sanctions institutions like Sharif University of Technology, it simultaneously seeks to recruit top graduates from Iranian universities—a clear double standard.”  

This marked the Iranian Science Minister’s first participation in a UNESCO global meeting since 2018, and his address garnered widespread acclaim. Notably, over two-thirds of the summit’s final declaration echoed key points from his speech, reaffirming global support for removing barriers to scientific collaboration.  

The minister’s intervention has reignited debates on the politicization of science, with calls for UNESCO to establish clearer safeguards against discriminatory policies.