Iran demands Israel’s suspension from International Railway Union

Iran has called for the suspension of the Israeli regime’s membership in the International Union of Railways (UIC), citing the recent atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza which have so far resulted in the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinian civilians.
Miad Salehi, Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), made the proposal during virtual meetings with UIC officials last week. Salehi, who exchanged views with UIC Director General François Davenne, argued that the UIC should not tolerate the Israeli regime’s actions and should take steps to address its heinous alleged crimes against Palestinians.

The UIC is a global organization focused on advancing the railway industry. They are responsible for developing international standards to ensure interoperability between railway systems, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices, advocating for railway-friendly policies, and fostering international cooperation on projects that benefit the global railway sector. The UIC has 218 members across five continents.

Salehi’s call comes after the UIC suspended the participation of Russian and Belarusian railways following the conflict in Ukraine. He criticized the UIC for applying double standards by taking action against Russia and Belarus while remaining silent on Israel’s actions.
“Iran views the UIC as a technical organization and has expressed concern over attempts by previous leadership to politicize its operations,” Salehi said, urging the UIC to uphold its principles and act decisively in condemning Israel’s actions.

Rights groups have accused various international organizations of turning a blind eye to Israeli crimes against humanity under the influence of Western states. They point out the global condemnation and shunning of Russia due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in far less death and destruction in the span of two years compared to Israel’s military 9-month campaign in Gaza.
Besides being dropped by the UIC, Russia has been banned by several sporting bodies including FIFA and UEFA which have so far refused to address calls asking for the same treatment toward Israel.

Israel’s latest war in the besieged Gaza Strip has been termed the most destructive war of the 21st century. Besides killing and maiming tens of thousands of people, the regime has tried to make Gaza uninhabitable by destroying all of the enclave’s hospitals, schools, universities, homes, and resources. UN Secretary-General António Guterres previously characterized the situation in Gaza as “dangerous and horrific,” saying Palestinian children trapped there are essentially living in “hell on earth.”