Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University cooperates with colleagues from the Islamic Republic across a dozen areas. These include general academic internships for students, “summer schools” and programs devoted to the study of culture and history, joint cross-publication of scholarly articles, and regular seminars.
For example, within the framework of the project “Hope” – “Mobile Intelligence”, three research groups have been established jointly with the University of Shiraz. Their areas of work include topics highly relevant to the mineral resource sector, such as enhanced oil recovery and the reduction of the carbon footprint of oil production, the development of technology for producing coke based on petroleum and coal raw materials, and the use of renewable energy sources at oil-producing enterprises.
The Mining University also actively cooperates with the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic, the Institute for Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation of the Islamic World (ISC), the Petroleum Industry Research Institute, and Imam Hossein University of Tehran.
In these difficult days for colleagues, partners, and friends, Saint Petersburg miners — and the university is home to students and staff from several dozen countries around the world — of course cannot remain silent. They consider it their duty to express their attitude toward the unprecedented aggression against the Republic.
Hamed Jafarpour, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Scientific and Educational Programs (Iran):
«When I opened the news in the morning and learned about the strike on Tehran, I called my mother and sister in Shiraz, a city in central Iran. The first day was the hardest. A school was struck, and 160 schoolgirls were killed. There was no internet, but by the end of the day it was restored. Taking this opportunity, I would like to address those who have relatives in Iran and cannot get in touch with them. Local messengers work until 5 p.m., after which there is no connection. As for food, medicine, and fuel, there is no shortage of anything. Iran produces everything itself.
In fact, everyone in the country had been expecting something like this, that sooner or later, the war would begin. Before this, there was Venezuela, but of course, the situation there was different. My forecasts? This will not end quickly; the scale of the war is large. I think the authorities will agree to end the war. But in any case, nothing will ever be the same again.
It is difficult to predict anything when each day brings new tragedies. Yesterday, my native Shiraz was bombed. Of course, I worry about my parents, my sister, my friends, and my teachers, but I know that we will endure anyway. Our people cannot be defeated. No one has ever managed to do that in several thousand years. And this time will be no different».
Ilkham Kurbanbayev, third-year student of the Faculty of Oil and Gas (Turkmenistan):
«Like all citizens of Turkmenistan, I am in complete shock at what is happening. Iran borders my country. Residents of Ashgabat brought flowers to the Iranian embassy as a sign of mourning for President Ali Khamenei. Our President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed condolences to the citizens of Iran and assured them of our support. Turkmenistan immediately declared full combat readiness, including its air defense systems. The airspace has been completely closed, and crossing the border is possible only by land.
We have five border checkpoints open. Through them, the round-the-clock evacuation of citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, China, Sweden, and many other countries is underway. All of them have been given the opportunity to leave Iran safely. My father, a retired colonel, is taking part in this process.
When I learned that the United States and Israel had carried out a large-scale bombing of Iran, my first thought was: ‘That’s it, World War III has begun.’ Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, as well as high-ranking officials — the Minister of Defense and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — were killed. The presidential palace was destroyed. No sanctions followed, which is outrageous. Our neighbors — Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia — also expressed their condolences».
Tian Haotian, young researcher (PRC):
«I am deeply saddened to see the recent developments in Iran, especially when I think of my Iranian colleagues and students who are worried about their loved ones back home. It is evident that the aggression on the part of the United States is driven by the vast oil and gas reserves of the Middle East, the strategic transport hub of the Strait of Hormuz, and the destruction of the petrodollar system. China has always played a constructive role on the international stage, promoting peaceful settlement and negotiations. In my position, I share and trust the consistent line of the Chinese government, namely: respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. Dialogue and consultations are the only correct path toward resolving disagreements and achieving peace in the region. I personally fully support this. In the current difficult situation, all parties must remain calm and restrained, and the international community should work together to create space for peace, not the opposite. In conclusion, I sincerely hope that peace will return soon».
Andome Ngome Prince Daniel, student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (Gabon):
«My homeland — the Gabonese Republic — has a very peaceful history. We have never fought a war and have not even had serious conflicts with neighboring countries. However, this does not mean that I cannot understand the feelings of a nation that has faced open aggression from another state. In my view, it is important to realize that the events in Iran are dangerous not only for the Middle East but for all humanity, because what is happening goes beyond the framework of international law. Moreover, the war is taking place on the ground, in the air, and at the information level. On the one hand, it is important to remain aware of the current global agenda and not isolate oneself from news coming from conflict zones, even if they are far from one’s homeland. On the other hand, it is equally important to carefully filter the flow of information in order to maintain a “cool head,” capable of analyzing the situation independently rather than under the influence of provocations. There is no need to look at a map to understand that Iran does not pose a territorial threat to the United States. Nevertheless, Americans impose on the international community a stereotype about the supposed danger of this republic and its people. I speak from personal experience and see that the image of extremists that the United States portrays does not correspond to reality. My neighbors in the dormitory are an Iranian and an Iraqi. Over the years of living together, they have become my true friends. I would gladly visit Iran as part of an academic exchange program. Despite sanctions, the whole world is aware of the country’s educational and scientific potential. Moreover, in Gabon there are very talented teachers and scholars who once studied in Tehran and Shiraz».
Noa Segura Héctor Luis, postgraduate student and hydrogeologist (Cuba):
«The first people I thought about were my Iranian friends studying at the Mining University and their families. It is a very difficult situation. The world is now going through an extremely critical moment; we are on the threshold of a new era in which everything can change at any moment. As usual, the United States wants access to another country’s resources without regard for its sovereignty. Cuba knows this very well: for 66 years, my country has lived under American sanctions, in isolation. Because of the oil blockade, Cuba suffers from fuel shortages, and power outages occur constantly. Just the day before, millions of people, including those in the capital, Havana, were left without electricity. When Cubans learned about the situation in Venezuela, they immediately assumed that Iran would be next. We must help in whatever way we can. This concerns all of us».
Valeria Quiros, lecturer, graduate of the Mining University (2022) (Ecuador):
«I am from Ecuador. In my country, located at the very heart of the world, where many cultures and peoples live, the dialogue of civilizations and mutual respect between states are highly valued. Allow me to express my sincere solidarity with the Iranian people in these difficult times. It is important to remember that behind any geopolitical tension stand millions of people striving for peace, education, scientific research, and the progress of humanity.
I am convinced that education, science, and international cooperation are among the most important bridges of mutual understanding between nations, especially during difficult periods of history. In this spirit, I express my deep respect for the dignity, rich cultural heritage, centuries-old history, and resilience of the Iranian people, who for centuries have demonstrated strength, wisdom, and the ability to overcome challenges».
Nguyen Van Thang, Associate Professor at the Mining University (Vietnam):
«I was born and raised in Vietnam, but I have been living in Russia for 15 years. I graduated from Saint Petersburg Mining University and today work as an Associate Professor at the Department of Development and Operation of Oil and Gas Fields. The history of our country is closely linked with difficult periods of war and division, which is why the themes of stability and peace are especially sensitive for us. In my family, this is also a matter of personal memory: my grandfather took part in the war against the Americans, and we understand very well how fragile a normal and peaceful life can be. Back then, under the pretext of helping South Vietnam, the United States bombed my country's hospitals, schools, and homes. We understood that the reason lay in the desire to seize control over Vietnam and to prevent the Soviet Union from increasing its influence in Southeast Asia. Today, the reason for the aggression toward Iran also lies in geopolitics. Around 40–50% of the world’s oil reserves are concentrated in the Middle East. Whoever controls the region controls the world. I follow closely what is happening there. In situations like this, the most important thing is the fate of ordinary people. Any escalation primarily affects the civilian population, families, and people’s ability to live, study, and work. I would like the priority for all sides to be the reduction of tensions and the search for solutions through diplomatic mechanisms. Every year, Iranian students come to us for "Summer schools": they are open, hardworking, and possess a broad horizon. I sincerely hope for de-escalation and for the region to move toward a more stable and secure future, where the protection of human life and dignity is the highest priority».
Vitaly Solomin, student of the Faculty of Oil and Gas and the Military Training Center (Russia):
«I am following the tragic events unfolding in the Middle East. On June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union without a declaration of war. A war began that led to the deaths of millions of people. Now we are witnessing the armed forces of the United States and Israel carrying out missile strikes on Iran. The result is enormous civilian casualties. In other words, ‘self-appointed master states — bandit states’ allow themselves, for reasons known only to them, whether it be regime change, tactical advantage for further expansion in the region, halting the process of normalization between Arab countries, or something else, to kill innocent people. This contradicts all international norms of humanitarian law and constitutes a major human tragedy. As a citizen of Russia, I believe this is not someone else’s isolated problem, but a serious challenge to the entire international community.
Among my friends and acquaintances are Iranians and representatives of other Middle Eastern countries who are experiencing the ongoing events very heavily, and we are offering them whatever support we can. In the context of hybrid warfare, alongside actions on land and in the air, a war is also being waged in the information sphere, and people sometimes begin to hate one another because of provocations, without relying on personal experience of communication. My Iranian friends and colleagues are intelligent, creative, and cultured people who, while living in Russia, respect our traditions and culture, study and work for the benefit of our university and of both our countries together with us. And of course, we are wholeheartedly with them».
Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University:
«The attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran began with the killing of its leader, Imam Khamenei, recognized by the international community, and with an attack on a girls’ school in Minab. For normal people who uphold universal human values, this clearly goes beyond any boundaries of morality and ethics. In the minds of unrestrained militarists, the principle prevails that ‘whatever benefits me is moral.’ The position of the European Union adds particular cynicism to what is happening: Europe’s leaders regard the mass killing of schoolgirls as ‘necessary costs on the road to democracy».
The people of Saint Petersburg, as residents of a city that survived a 900-day siege, perfectly understand what the citizens of a state being destroyed, yet courageously resisting, are feeling today. They counter genocide with an unbending will and faith in victory. We stood firm 80 years ago, and we believe that our colleagues and long-time friends, brilliant scientists and very young students, will stand firm against the "Epic Fury" directed at them, which is in reality — "Epic Baseness". It is absolutely obvious that the explicit desire to seize oil fields is merely masked as liberal-democratic values.
Furthermore. What is occurring is a colossal reminder for Russia, which is no less rich in hydrocarbons and mineral resources. If we did not have a nuclear missile shield, created by many generations of design engineers, who could guarantee that our country would not have already shared the fate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In today's world, the sovereignty of an independent state can rest only on its strength, on science and innovation, on the engineering corps and its daily work. Both in the military-industrial complex and in its provision with metals, minerals, and energy.
On behalf of the "Corps of Mining Engineers", I offer the most sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and to the suffering of the people of Iran, and I hope that collective humanity will have the common sense not to unleash a third — and final — world war».