Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has claimed that at least 1,332 Iranian civilians, including women and children, have been killed in ongoing airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
Addressing reporters at UN headquarters in New York, Iravani said the figures were based on information provided by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. He stated that more than 180 children had been killed and over 20 schools damaged across the country.
The ambassador alleged that civilian neighborhoods and critical infrastructure were deliberately targeted, calling the attacks “clear war crimes and crimes against humanity.” He further claimed that 13 healthcare facilities had been struck and that several sports and recreational venues were hit, resulting in the deaths of more than 18 female athletes and injuries to around 100 others.
Iravani rejected statements by U.S. officials asserting that only military targets were hit, describing such claims as baseless. He said Iran would continue to exercise its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, adding that Tehran’s response is “lawful, necessary, and proportionate” and directed solely at military objectives.
The envoy emphasized that Iran does not seek war but will not surrender its sovereignty, pledging to take all necessary measures to defend its territory and independence.
He also criticized remarks attributed to Donald Trump regarding Iran’s internal political matters, terming them a violation of the principle of non-interference enshrined in the UN Charter.
Calling on member states to condemn what he described as aggression, Iravani urged the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and decisive action to halt the conflict, warning that continued hostilities pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.
