Iran has accused the US and Israel of war crimes after a school bombing in southern Iran killed over 175 students and teachers.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the strong claim on Friday during an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
He described the airstrike on Shajareh Tayybeh Elementary School in Minab as a “premeditated act of violence” that targeted civilians in cold blood.
Araghchi spoke out just hours after fresh details emerged about the 28 February attack.
He told delegates the strike happened while Tehran and Washington were deep in talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.
“The attack on Shajareh Tayybeh School was deliberate,” he said.
“Given the advanced military technologies at the disposal of the aggressors, it is impossible to consider this a mistake.”
He went on to paint a wider picture of destruction.
Since the escalation began in February, more than 600 schools across Iran have suffered damage, while over 1,000 students and teachers have been killed or injured.
Araghchi also pointed to repeated strikes on hospitals, ambulances, medical staff and even Red Crescent workers, as well as vital sites such as refineries, water facilities and homes.
In addition, the minister accused the two nations of showing “genocidal intent” rather than making isolated errors.
He criticised the international community for staying silent, drawing parallels with past conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon.
“The world’s indifference has only deepened insecurity and human rights abuses,” he warned.
Yet Araghchi insisted Iran still wants peace.
He stressed that Tehran remains ready for talks but will defend its sovereignty against what he called an “illegal war imposed” by the nuclear-armed aggressors.
The remarks come at a tense moment, with this being the second time in nine months that such hostilities have derailed diplomatic efforts.
The UN Human Rights Council session continues, and many diplomats are now watching closely to see whether any concrete steps will follow Iran’s demand for aaccountability.
