Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi Slams US-Israel Actions at UN, Calls School Attack a “War Crime”

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi delivered a strong condemnation of what he described as “unjustified aggression” by the United States and Israel, accusing both nations of initiating hostilities on February 28. Speaking during the Urgent Debate on the Protection of Children and Educational Institutions at the 49th Meeting of the 61st Session of the Council, Araghchi sharply criticized the reported strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. “This war of aggression is blatantly unjustified. They, the US and Israel, initiated this aggression on 28th February,” Araghchi stated during his address. He went on to describe the attack on the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school as a “war crime”, emphasizing that it was neither accidental nor a miscalculation. “Targeting Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab was a war crime, one that demands unequivocal condemnation by all. It was not a mere incident or a miscalculation,” he asserted. The Iranian Foreign Minister called on the international community, particularly members of the United Nations Human Rights Council, to take a firm stand and ensure accountability for attacks on civilians—especially children and educational institutions. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with increasing global concern over the safety of civilians and the protection of critical infrastructure during conflicts. Araghchi’s speech adds to mounting diplomatic pressure and could intensify debates within international forums over responsibility, proportionality, and adherence to international humanitarian law.