1,332 Iranian Civilians Killed in US-Israeli Airstrikes: Iran’s UN Envoy

United Nations – At least 1,332 Iranian civilians, including women and children, have been killed and thousands more injured in airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel, Iran’s envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, said.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Iravani cited figures from the Iranian Red Crescent Society, stating that more than 180 children have died in the attacks and over 20 schools across the country have been damaged, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.

The ambassador accused the United States and Israel of deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Iran. He alleged that the strikes show the two countries “recognise no red line” in carrying out such attacks.

According to Iravani, Iranian cities are being struck indiscriminately, with densely populated residential areas and key civilian infrastructure among the targets. He described the attacks as “clear war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

He also claimed that 13 healthcare facilities in Iran have been attacked so far. In addition, several civilian sports and recreational facilities in Tehran and other cities were reportedly targeted on Thursday, leaving more than 18 female athletes dead and around 100 others injured.

“Their intention is clear — to terrorise civilians, massacre innocent people, and cause maximum destruction and suffering,” Iravani said, rejecting claims that only military targets were struck.

The envoy added that Iran would continue exercising its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter until the attacks stop. He said Iran’s response would be “lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” and aimed only at military targets.

Iravani also criticised remarks by Donald Trump regarding the election of a new supreme leader in Iran, calling them a violation of the UN Charter’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

“Iran does not seek war,” he said, but stressed that the country “will never surrender its sovereignty” and will take all necessary steps to defend its people, territory, and independence.

The Iranian envoy urged all UN member states to condemn what he described as aggression and war crimes, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to regional and global peace.

“The Security Council must act now, firmly, clearly, and without delay,” he said.

— With inputs from IANS