Zimbabwe has been under unjust and unfair United States (U.S.) imposed sanctions since 2002 and 2003 respectively, for allegedly “undermining democratic institutions”, “gross human rights violations”, and “threatening regional stability”. The illegal sanctions have caused massive suffering among Zimbabweans and continue to have far reaching effects on Zimbabwe and the entire SADC region. The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) as was passed by the United States Congress in 2001 and subsequent amendments, is particularly disastrous to Zimbabwe and the welfare of Zimbabweans.

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly and unreservedly condemns this unjustified imposition of the illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe, its people and by extension to SADC region, we, therefore, call for the immediate and unconditional removal of these inhumane and illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands in total support of the SADC/AU supported Anti-Sanctions Campaign to be held throughout the region on the 25^th of October 2023 in solidarity with Zimbabwe and its people. The Islamic Republic of Iran knows the dire and negative consequences of illegal sanctions as it shares the same fate with Zimbabwe. In this regard, we stand firmly by the people of Zimbabwe in these difficult and trying times. We assure Zimbabwe and the region of our unqualified support and solidarity in the fight against these unjustified and inhuman illegal sanctions.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Harare

22 October 2023