Iran's UN Ambassador Accuses US and Israel of Deliberately Targeting Civilians, 1,300 Dead
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Amir Saeid Iravani, has levelled serious accusations against the United States and Israel, stating that both countries have deliberately targeted civilians in a series of air strikes that have killed more than 1,300 people since the conflict began.
At a press conference at UN headquarters focused on war casualties, Iravani revealed that “densely populated residential areas” and “critical civilian infrastructure” have been targeted in what he described as “horrific crimes.”
Based on data presented by Iravani, the scale of civilian infrastructure damage in Iran is alarming. He noted that 9,669 civilian sites have been destroyed, including nearly 8,000 residential homes. Additionally, shopping centres, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, schools and educational institutions have not escaped destruction.
Iravani emphasised that these figures continue to increase “every day” as attacks continue in various Iranian cities.
Beyond direct casualties, the attacks have reportedly caused severe damage to the environment and public health. Iravani reported major strikes against fuel storage facilities in Tehran and other cities on the nights of 5 and 7 March. These strikes caused the release of large quantities of toxic and hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere.
The situation worsened when rain fell on the morning of 8 March. According to Iravani, the rainfall spread pollutants through “highly acidic precipitation.” This phenomenon increased the risk of respiratory disorders and widespread environmental contamination.
“Medical centres in Tehran have been placed on high alert and residents have been advised to remain indoors,” Iravani added regarding emergency measures taken by local authorities.
Furthermore, Iravani accused the strikes of violating international environmental obligations, including agreements under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
He also directed sharp criticism at the UN Security Council, which he accused of taking little action regarding the situation in his country. Iravani alleged that the body has “turned a blind eye” to the suffering and damage continuing to occur in Iran.