Iran's UN Representative Reports Over 1,300 Civilian Deaths
The United Nations (ANTARA) — More than 1,300 civilians have been killed and 9,669 civilian facilities destroyed in Iran as a result of military strikes launched by the United States and Israel since 28 February, according to Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, speaking on Tuesday (10 March).
The civilian locations affected include 7,943 residential homes, 1,617 commercial and service centres, 32 medical and pharmaceutical facilities, 65 schools and educational institutions, 13 Red Crescent buildings, as well as several energy supply facilities, Iravani told the press in a statement.
“They deliberately and indiscriminately target civilians and civilian infrastructure throughout my country. They disregard international law and show no restraint in committing these crimes,” Iravani stated.
He also asserted that densely populated residential areas and critical civilian infrastructure have been deliberately targeted. The number of casualties and damage continues to increase as the US-Israeli military strikes persist.
Iravani cited several examples of attacks on civilian targets, including a massive strike on fuel storage facilities in Tehran and other cities on Saturday (7 March) evening, which released large quantities of hazardous and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.
The explosions caused severe air pollution and serious health risks for civilians, particularly children, women, the elderly, and those with serious health conditions, Iravani stated, citing Iran’s Red Crescent Society.
“These vicious attacks also violate international environmental obligations, including those contained in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity,” he said.
Iravani cited additional examples including attacks on Mehrabad Airport in Tehran on Saturday morning, which destroyed or severely damaged several civilian aircraft and airport facilities, and strikes on a desalination facility on Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province, which disrupted water supply to 30 villages.
In the early hours of Sunday (8 March), Israeli forces launched a “deliberate terrorist attack” on the Ramada Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon, killing four Iranian diplomats.
“The targeted killing of diplomats in the territory of another sovereign nation constitutes serious terrorism, a war crime, and a blatant violation of international law,” Iravani said.
He urged the international community to act immediately to stop the conflict.
“We will take all necessary measures to defend our people, our territory, and our independence,” Iravani said.