Since its establishment, the Islamic Republic of Iran has employed illegal and unethical practices to advance its political and strategic objectives globally. Among these methods, state-sponsored terrorism and hostage-taking stand out as defining features of its foreign policy. The recent arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala exemplifies Iran’s systematic use of hostages to exert pressure on Western governments. This article explores the implications of such policies on international relations and highlights the Islamic Republic’s blatant violations of international law.

Iran’s State Terrorism: A Political Weapon

Since the Islamic Republic’s inception in 1979, state terrorism has been a hallmark of its foreign policy. This strategy includes assassinating political dissidents abroad, supporting regional militia groups, and conducting military and intelligence operations on foreign soil. Notable examples include the assassinations of Kurdish leader Abdurrahman Ghasemlou in Vienna, Sadegh Sharafkandi in Berlin, and the systematic elimination of political opponents during the 1990s.

These targeted killings demonstrate a calculated effort to silence dissent and project power beyond Iran’s borders, often in blatant disregard of host countries’ sovereignty. Such actions have not only destabilized the region but also strained Iran’s relationships with Western nations, fostering an environment of mistrust and hostility.

Hostage-Taking: A Diplomatic Pressure Tactic

Hostage-taking has become one of Iran’s most notorious tools for achieving diplomatic leverage. This policy dates back to the early years of the Islamic Revolution, most infamously marked by the 1979 hostage crisis when American diplomats were seized at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The ordeal lasted 444 days, setting a precedent for the regime’s future behavior.

In recent years, the Islamic Republic has systematically arrested foreign nationals and dual citizens under dubious charges such as espionage. These individuals are then used as bargaining chips in negotiations with Western governments. The practice underscores a cynical manipulation of human lives for political gain.

The Arrest of Cecilia Sala: A Flagrant Violation of International Law

The detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala is the latest instance of state-sponsored hostage-taking by Iran. Sala was apprehended on vague and unsubstantiated charges that fail to align with either international norms or even Iran’s domestic laws. This act violates Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to liberty and personal security. It also contravenes international treaties such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obligates states to respect the rights and immunities of foreign nationals.

Repeated Violations of International Law

The Islamic Republic’s actions consistently flout international legal frameworks, including:

1. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963): This treaty mandates the protection of foreign nationals. Arbitrary detention of individuals directly breaches this obligation.
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Article 9 explicitly prohibits arbitrary arrest or detention.
3. Geneva Conventions: Using hostages as political leverage violates the fundamental principles of human rights, applicable in both peacetime and wartime.

Consequences of Iran’s Hostage Policy

Iran’s reliance on hostage-taking as a diplomatic tool has had severe repercussions:

• Escalating Tensions: This policy exacerbates already strained relations between Iran and Western countries, poisoning diplomatic channels.
• Eroding Trust: The repeated use of hostages has diminished Iran’s credibility in international forums.
• Sanctions and Isolation: Such practices have contributed to the imposition of extensive sanctions, further isolating Iran on the global stage.

Conclusion

Iran’s use of state terrorism and hostage-taking as instruments of diplomacy has severely tarnished its international reputation. These actions not only violate fundamental human rights and international laws but also jeopardize global security and stability. The international community must respond decisively by increasing diplomatic and legal pressure on the Islamic Republic, compelling it to adhere to international norms and respect human rights. Without such action, the cycle of hostility and mistrust will continue, undermining efforts to foster a stable and secure global environment.