Geneva, March 27: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi fiercely condemned the United States and Israel for their attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, particularly the deadly assault on Minab Elementary Girls' School, which claimed the lives of over 160 people. Speaking virtually at a UN debate on the devastating strike, Araghchi denounced the actions as war crimes and called for global solidarity against the injustice faced by Iran. He emphasized that the country would persist in its defense for as long as necessary.
"Indifference and silence in the face of these injustices will only breed insecurity and further violations of rights," Araghchi warned. "It will undermine the very principles of the United Nations and the human rights framework it stands for. The world must hold the aggressors accountable and make it clear that they will answer for the heinous crimes being committed against the Iranian people."
While reaffirming that Iran has never sought conflict, Araghchi made it clear that the nation would continue to defend itself. "Iranians are a peaceful and noble people, inheriting one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Yet, we will not hesitate to stand firm in the face of those who perpetrate brutality without limit. Our defense will persist for as long as it takes."
He labeled the strike on the school as "deliberate and intentional," stressing that it occurred despite the advanced technological and intelligence capabilities of both the US and Israel. "This atrocity is unjustifiable, and it must not be ignored or concealed," he declared.
Araghchi also highlighted the broader scale of destruction caused by US-Israeli operations, noting the targeting of vital civilian infrastructure over the past 27 days. He pointed out that Red Crescent workers, refineries, ambulances, hospitals, health workers, water supplies, and residential areas had been hit, with more than 600 schools damaged or destroyed and over 1,000 students and teachers killed or wounded.
"The term 'war crime' does not fully capture the severity of these atrocities," Araghchi stated. "The pattern of attacks, paired with the rhetoric of the aggressors, leaves no doubt about their intent to carry out genocide."
Referring to the ongoing conflict as an "unjust war of whims," Araghchi urged the international community to take action, emphasizing that the values upheld by the United Nations are at risk. His remarks come amid continued US-Israeli strikes on key infrastructure in Iran. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had signaled a potential easing of the assault, extending a pause in strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, but the airstrikes have continued.
Araghchi’s speech marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions, as the world watches the escalation of violence between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance.
