Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly criticised the February 28 strike on a school in Tehran’s Minab area. He called the attack a “deliberate, intentional" act carried out by the United States and Israel. He made these remarks during an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council.
Heavy Casualties Reported
Araghchi said the attack killed more than 175 people, including students and teachers. He described the incident as a brutal act. He said the victims were “slaughtered in cold blood" in what he called a “calculated, phased assault".
The Iranian minister described the strike as both a war crime and a crime against humanity. He demanded strong global action. He called for “unequivocal condemnation by all and unambiguous accountability for the culprits."
Iran Rejects Claims of Mistake
Araghchi insisted that the attack was not accidental. He questioned the explanation given by the United States. “At a time when the American-Israeli aggressors, in their own assertions, possess the most advanced technologies, and the highest-precision military and data systems, no one can believe that the attack on the school was anything other than deliberate and intentional," he said.
He also criticised attempts to justify the strike. “The United States’ contradictory remarks aimed at justifying their crime could not, in any manner, elude their responsibility," he added.
Background of the Conflict
The strike took place on the same day when the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks across Iran. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and several Gulf countries.
US Investigation Points to Error
Initial findings from a US military probe suggested a different explanation. Reports indicated that a Tomahawk missile may have hit the school due to a targeting error. According to these findings, the coordinates used were outdated and linked to a nearby Iranian military base.
UN Urges Independent Probe
Volker Turk expressed concern over the incident. In a video message, he described the bombing as “visceral horror". He called for a quick, fair, and transparent investigation. He also said that the results should be made public.
Victim’s Family Speaks Out
A grieving mother, Mohaddeseh Falahat, who lost two children in the attack, addressed the council through video. She urged the global community to remember the tragedy. “No mother is prepared to hear the words, ‘Your child is not coming back,’" she said.
Second Emergency UN Session
The debate was requested by Iran, China, and Cuba. It marked the second urgent meeting on the Middle East conflict within the same week. Earlier, the 47-member council had criticised Iran’s strikes on Gulf nations and called for compensation to victims. However, no formal resolution was discussed during this session.