At this point, with everything unfolding in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, I feel like I need to put something on record clearly, directly, and without ambiguity.
I am a conscientious objector.
Not in some limited or technical sense. Not in a conditional way. Not in a “only if it reaches a certain point” kind of way. I mean this fully and completely: I will not serve in any war or conflict. I refuse to participate in violence, organized or otherwise, and I refuse to be part of any system that contributes to it.
And I want to be clear about something else too.
This is not just about refusing combat.
I am not interested in being placed into a non-combat role either. I am not interested in being part of logistics, administration, support, or any other function that contributes to war. Because at the end of the day, all of those roles are still part of the same system. They all contribute, directly or indirectly, to the continuation of conflict.
And I want no part in that.
For me, this is not about fear. It is not about avoidance. It is not about trying to escape responsibility. It is about what I believe is right and wrong.
I do not believe in war.
I do not believe in violence as a solution to global problems. I do not believe that bombs, missiles, and military campaigns create a better world. I do not believe that cycles of retaliation and escalation lead to anything other than more suffering, more destruction, and more loss of life.
And because I believe that, I cannot justify participating in it.
Not in combat.
Not behind the scenes.
Not in any capacity.
There is also a broader context to this decision. When people talk about war, especially wars involving powerful countries, there is often language used to frame those conflicts in ways that make them seem necessary or justified. Words like “defense,” “security,” and “strategy” are used to explain actions that, in reality, result in widespread destruction and human suffering.
But I see it differently.
I see systems of power. I see geopolitical maneuvering. I see decisions made by governments that often have devastating consequences for ordinary people—people who did not choose the conflict, people who are caught in the middle of it, people who suffer because of it.
And I cannot bring myself to participate in that.
I care about people in the United States. I care about Americans. This is not about rejecting the people of this country or wanting harm to come to anyone here. It is the opposite. It is because I care about people—here and everywhere—that I feel this way.
Because war does not just harm one side.
It harms everyone.
It harms civilians in the countries being targeted. It harms soldiers who are sent into conflict. It harms families. It harms communities. It creates trauma that lasts for generations. It destabilizes regions. It fuels further conflict.
It is a cycle.
And I do not want to be part of that cycle.
I believe in de-escalation.
I believe in diplomacy.
I believe in finding ways to resolve conflict without violence.
I believe in empathy, even in situations where that feels difficult.
I believe in the idea that humanity is capable of something better than endless war.
And I know that some people will disagree with this stance. Some people believe that military action is sometimes necessary. Some people believe that refusing to participate is irresponsible or unrealistic.
But this is where I stand.
This is what I believe.
And I think it is important, especially in times like this, for people to be honest about their beliefs—even when those beliefs go against the dominant narrative or the expectations placed on them.
So I am putting it on record.
I will not participate in war.
Not now.
Not later.
Not in any form.
Because at the end of the day, I believe that choosing peace—fully, consistently, and without compromise—is the only position that aligns with who I am and what I stand for.