ITUC urges immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks in the Middle East

International Trade Union Confederation Media Release 2 March 2026

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for immediate de-escalation, an end to all military operations, and a return to peaceful negotiations in the Middle East.

“International law must be respected. War is never in the interest of working people. Workers want peace, democracy and decent work, not relentless bombing and retaliatory attacks.” ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle

“The irresponsible use of military force must stop immediately. Diplomacy, with a strong and coordinated role for the United Nations, is essential to secure a just and lasting peace.”

The ITUC strongly condemns the irresponsible and illegal bombing carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran and calls for an immediate end to these operations. Such actions violate international law, undermine diplomacy and will predictably plunging the region into a wider, devastating war.

The subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, including attacks on Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Cyprus, further endangers civilian lives and deepens instability. Escalation by any side will not bring security, peace or democracy.

The ITUC further calls for:

An immediate ceasefire and full de-escalation by all parties.

Strict respect for international law and the UN Charter.

A renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament and regional security arrangements based on dialogue.

Full respect for freedom of expression, freedom of association and democratic rights across the region.

International law

The ITUC underlines that diplomacy, anchored in international law and supported by effective UN coordination, is critical to building a just and peaceful future for the region. The recent setbacks to mediation efforts, including those facilitated by Oman, are deeply regrettable and must be reversed urgently through renewed commitment to negotiation.

The ITUC is profoundly concerned about the decision of democratic countries such as Canada, Australia and the UK to explicitly support these military operations that violate international law. Some EU countries have expressed support, while also expressing concerns over legality. A failure to consistently uphold international law undermines its credibility and threatens peace and security for all.

Workers and their families are always the first to suffer the consequences of war. In Iran, sanctions, a lack of basic democratic rights and regime incompetence have wreaked havoc on the economy. Millions face poverty, insecurity and extremely limited economic prospects. Military escalation will only exacerbate this suffering.

Workers’ rights

The ITUC, its affiliates worldwide and the Global Union Federations have long stood with Iranian workers in their fight for democracy, livelihoods, safety, rights and solidarity. Independent trade unionists in Iran continue to face repression for exercising fundamental freedoms.

Workers’ voices have been sidelined both by authoritarian governance and by the logic of militarisation. A change of regime cannot be imposed by force. The people of Iran itself must decide for themselves who should rule their country. They must have the right to determine their own future, free from external aggression and internal repression.

The ITUC reiterates its solidarity and support for the labour movement, independent unions and the people of Iran. Iranian workers must be at the table to shape their own future.

Luc Triangle added: “Bombs and violence will not achieve democracy. Sustainable peace can only be built on social justice, human rights, democratic participation and decent work.

“The global trade union movement stands in solidarity with working people throughout the region and reaffirms its unwavering belief in peaceful and negotiated solutions to conflict. Peace, democracy and workers’ rights must prevail to deliver lasting security and prosperity for all.”

International Trade Union Confederation

The ITUC represents 191 million workers in 169 countries and territories and has 340 national affiliates.