“No to external interference in Iran”, says MPAC Nigeria as Centre demands respect for gulf state’s sovereignty
By KEMI KASUMU
“MPAC warns against external interference by foreign governments, particularly the United States and Israel, who seek to manipulate the unrest for their own geopolitical interests. Evidence suggests that agents of these countries have infiltrated protest actions, seeking to hijack the legitimate demands of the Iranian people and escalate tensions.”
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria says it stands in solidarity with the Iranian people as they demand, against external interference by United States of America and its allies, their right to determine their future.
The Centre spoke through a statement by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, dated January 14, 2026 and sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.
“We acknowledge the legitimate right of peaceful protest by the Iranian people who have been subjected to years of economic hardship induced by many rounds of U.S. sanctions on Iran.
“The United States has imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, causing widespread suffering and poverty among the Iranian people. Israel has also engaged in covert operations and sabotage against Iran, exacerbating tensions in the region.”
According to the statement, “MPAC warns against external interference by foreign governments, particularly the United States and Israel, who seek to manipulate the unrest for their own geopolitical interests. Evidence suggests that agents of these countries have infiltrated protest actions, seeking to hijack the legitimate demands of the Iranian people and escalate tensions.
“The Iranian government has shown images and video clips of protesters shooting at law enforcement agents and ordinary Iranians, killing them in cold blood. Despite these reports, United States’ President continues to send messages of encouragement for the violent street actions, thereby putting greater number of innocent lives at risk.
“Meanwhile, the U.S. is currently experiencing its own major protest actions, with no country encouraging or exploiting the situation to destabilize the nation. In fact, the US has seen a surge in protests and unrest, particularly against police brutality and systemic racism.
“Authorities in the U.S. have responded with extreme measures, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, resulting in fatalities and injuries.”
In Minneapolis, federal agents used tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating against immigration enforcement operations, which led to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Protests against ICE actions and police brutality have been met with extreme responses from authorities.
“Similarly, Israel has seen significant protests in recent years, often met with crackdowns by the government, including government-sponsored laws restricting protests and free speech.
“How then can these governments justify their actions, incitement and threats against Iran? Surely, their actions are not motivated by a desire to support the Iranian people, but rather to topple a long-standing adversary by any means. The Iranian government, like all governments, must protect their people and sovereignty from foreign agents, collaborators, and saboteurs.
“Furthermore, we condemn the threat of military attacks made against Iran by U.S. officials. Such actions would be a recipe for disaster, threatening regional stability and global security. The Iranian people will not be intimidated by saber-rattling, and will not stand idly by as external powers seek to undermine their sovereignty.
“We urge the Iranian people to remember Iraq and Libya which are yet to recover from foreign agents and interference, and know that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing waiting to devour them. We equally urge the Iranian government to engage in constructive dialogue with the opposition and together work to determine their own future without fear of violence or external manipulation,” MPAC Nigeria said.
