Iran's UN Ambassador: U.S. and Israel's deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes war crimes

Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Iraavani, said on the 6th that the United States and Israel deliberately attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure within Iran, with densely populated residential areas and important civilian infrastructure becoming targets of the attacks. “These actions constitute clear war crimes and crimes against humanity.” Iraavani made the statement to the media, saying that so far, more than 20 schools and 13 medical institutions in Iran have been attacked. Several sports and entertainment facilities in Tehran, the capital, and other cities have also been targeted, resulting in the deaths of 18 female athletes and about 100 people injured. Since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, at least 1,332 civilians in Iran have been killed, including more than 180 children, and thousands of others have been injured. Iraavani reiterated that Iran will continue to exercise its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter—“until the invasion and attacks stop.” Iran’s response is “lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” and it targets only the military objectives of the aggressor. He emphasized that Iran does not seek war, but it will never relinquish its sovereignty, and it will take all necessary measures to defend its people, territory, and independence. (Xinhua)