Panel discussion with
Shabnam von Hein
Journalist and Iran expert, Deutsche Welle (DW)
Prof. Dr. Niels Petersen
Chair of Public Law, International Law and European Law, University of Münster
Representative of the PERSOS Initiative
Persian Students of Osnabrück
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 6.00 pm
University auditorium, Neuer Graben 29/Castle
Conversation leader
Prof. Dr Andrea Lenschow, Vice-President for International Affairs, Diversity and Academic Qualifications, University of Osnabrück
Since the end of February, Israel and the US have been attacking Iran. Key figures in the regime in Tehran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have been killed. Iran is responding with counter-attacks on Israel and US military bases in various countries across the region.
People in Iran are experiencing the war at first hand; it is virtually impossible to protect oneself from the air strikes. At the same time, they remain exposed to reprisals by the Revolutionary Guards. Shortly before the outbreak of the war, protests by the population against the authoritarian regime were crushed with extreme brutality. What does the war mean for the Iranian people, who have already endured unimaginable suffering through the protest movements against the theocratic regime, with an estimated death toll of over 10,000?
The peace discussion will examine the situation of those affected in Iran, as well as in the diaspora. It will also look at future prospects for Iran, conflict resolution scenarios and the scope for political action. Is the overthrow of the mullah regime within reach? How strong is the political resistance within the country? How do Iranians in Germany view the war, and what is their assessment of US intervention? What does the war mean for the international order and international law? This special programme will address these and other questions.
Admission is free. Registration for the event is not required.