Iran has strongly condemned the United States and Israel over a deadly strike on civilian infrastructure, calling it a “war crime” and warning of possible “genocide.”
Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, made the explosive remarks during a virtual address at the United Nations debate, following a strike on a girls’ school in Minab that reportedly killed over 160 people.
“This Cannot Be Met With Silence”
Araghchi directly accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, saying the attack on the Minab Elementary Girls’ School was intentional.
“This atrocity cannot be justified, concealed and must not be met with silence and indifference,” he said.
He added that despite having advanced military technology, the attackers chose to hit civilian targets, raising serious concerns about intent.
Iran Calls for Global Action at UN
Speaking at the United Nations, Araghchi urged the global community to take a stand.
“Indifference and silence in the face of injustices would bring no security and peace… You all need to call out the aggressors and hold them accountable,” he stated.
He warned that the credibility of the United Nations and the global human rights framework is now at stake.
“Iran Never Sought War”
Araghchi stressed that Iran does not want conflict but will continue to defend itself.
“Iran has never sought war… Yet we will defend ourselves as long as it is needed,” he said, describing Iranians as a peaceful nation with a rich civilizational history.
Massive Civilian Damage Alleged
The Iranian Foreign Minister claimed that the school attack is part of a wider pattern of strikes targeting civilian infrastructure.
According to him:
- Over 600 schools have been damaged or destroyed
- More than 1,000 students and teachers have been killed or injured
- Targets include hospitals, ambulances, water sources, and residential areas
He said even Red Crescent rescuers and healthcare workers have not been spared in the past 27 days.
“Clear Intent to Commit Genocide”
In a strong escalation of rhetoric, Araghchi said the scale and pattern of attacks indicate something beyond war crimes.
“The aggressors’ targeting pattern… leaves little doubt as to their clear intent to commit genocide,” he alleged.
He described the ongoing conflict as an “unjust war of whims” against Iran.
Trump Signals Pause, But Strikes Continue
The remarks come amid ongoing military operations. Earlier, US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran had requested a pause in strikes on its energy infrastructure.
Trump said the US extended a temporary window to April 6, but reports suggest that joint US-Israel strikes are still continuing.
Global Tensions Rising
The situation has intensified global concern, with rising civilian casualties and increasing diplomatic pressure.
As accusations of war crimes and genocide grow louder, the international community now faces mounting calls to intervene and prevent further escalation.
