Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has accused the United States and Israel of waging what he described as a “deliberate, unprovoked and unlawful war of aggression” against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Claims of civilian casualties and widespread destruction
According to the Iranian ambassador, the conflict has entered its eleventh consecutive day, with strikes continuing “day and night” across Iranian territory.
He claimed the attacks have caused heavy civilian casualties and extensive damage. “More than 1,300 civilians have been killed,” Iravani said, adding that 9,669 civilian sites have been destroyed.
Among those, he said, were 7,943 homes, 32 medical and pharmaceutical facilities and 65 schools and educational institutions. He added that the number of casualties and damaged sites continues to rise as attacks persist in cities across Iran.
Environmental and infrastructure impact
Iravani also referred to environmental and public health consequences following attacks on energy facilities.
According to him, strikes on fuel depots in Tehran released large amounts of hazardous and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Subsequent rainfall, he said, resulted in “highly acidic rain”, increasing the risk of respiratory problems and environmental contamination.
He further alleged attacks on critical infrastructure, including Tehran’s Mehrabad airport and a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, which he said disrupted water supply to 30 villages.
Allegations of diplomatic killings and criticism of UN Security Council
The Iranian envoy also condemned what he described as a “deliberate terrorist attack” on the Ramada hotel in Beirut, claiming four Iranian diplomats were killed. He said the killing of diplomats constitutes a serious terrorist act, a war crime and a clear violation of international law.
Iravani criticised the UN Security Council for what he described as its continued silence, accusing some members of attempting to reverse the roles of victim and aggressor.
He warned that any resolution condemning Iran would “seriously undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the Council”.
Call for international intervention
Concluding his remarks, the Iranian ambassador called on the international community to intervene immediately to end the conflict.
“Today it is Iran. Tomorrow it could be any other sovereign state,” he said, adding that Iran would take all necessary measures to defend its people, its territory and its independence.