Tehran (IANS): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday that the international community must not meet the “brutal attack” on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girl’s School with silence or indifference.
Addressing an urgent debate via video link, Araghchi characterized the strike on the school in Minab as a “war crime” and a “crime against humanity.”
Diplomacy “Betrayed”
Araghchi stated that Iran currently faces an “illegal war” imposed by the United States and Israel. He argued that the two nations launched this aggression on February 28, precisely while Iran and the U.S. were engaged in a diplomatic process regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
“For the second time in nine months, they have betrayed diplomacy by destroying the negotiating table,” Araghchi told the Council.
The Minab Massacre
The Foreign Minister highlighted the “calculated” attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school as the most horrific manifestation of the conflict. He reported that the strike “massacred” more than 175 students and teachers in a deliberate manner.
Araghchi rejected claims of accidental damage, stating:
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Precision Technology: He argued that because the U.S. and Israel possess the world’s most advanced data and military systems, the strike could only be “premeditated.”
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Systemic Atrocities: He described the school attack as the “tip of a much larger iceberg” of human rights violations committed with complete impunity.
Widespread Destruction
According to Araghchi, the elementary school is not the only victim of the 27-day conflict. He presented a grim tally of the destruction across Iran:
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Education: Aggressors have destroyed or damaged more than 600 schools, killing or injuring over 1,000 students and teachers.
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Infrastructure: Strikes have targeted hospitals, ambulances, refineries, and residential areas.
Call for Global Condemnation
Araghchi urged the United Nations to unequivocally condemn the aggressors. While emphasizing that Iranians are a peaceful nation, he affirmed their “unwavering determination” to defend themselves against those who disregard the laws of war.
The UNHRC convened this urgent debate following requests from Iran, China, and Cuba. The Council has adjusted its 61st regular session to discuss the Minab strike specifically within the framework of protecting children and educational institutions during international armed conflicts.
