Iran accuses US of 'war crime' for sinking frigate, killing 100

Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has accused the US of committing a 'war crime' by sinking the IRIS Dena frigate. Iran also condemned US strikes on civilians, including a school, and vowed to retaliate against American bases.

Iran Accuses US of 'War Crime' at UN

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has attacked the United States alleging that the attack that sank IRIS Dena was a violation of international law and a war crime. Speaking at a stakeout at the UN Headquarters Iravani said, "United States committed a dangerous act of aggression at sea, nearly 2,000 miles from Iran's shore. The Iranian frigate Dena which was on the goodwill visit and upon invitation was with the Indian Navy and carrying around 130 sailors was attacked in international waters. Nearly 100 Iranian sailors were martyred. The US committed a war crime. This heinous and unlawful attack constitute a grave violation of the law and the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation."

Iravani further called on the UN Security Council to intervene "firmly, clearly, and without delay" to halt what he described as a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against his nation.

"We reiterate our call on the Security Council and Secretary General to condemn the aggression, war crimes, and crime against humanity that are being committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against our people. To force the aggressor to put an immediate end to all crimes and military attack against Iran and against civilian and civilian infrastructure. To ensure accountability for these grave violation of international humanitarian law and war crimes," he said.

Foreign Minister Vows Retaliation for Civilian Strikes

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister, Syed Abbas Araghchi, came down heavily on the United States on Saturday, condemning American strikes which targeted children and the innocent. He said that Iran's response would inevitably be directed at American bases and institutions.

In a post on X, Araghchi accused the US of launching attacks from the "lands of our Arab friends" to target children and the innocent in Iran. "Iran and the Arab brothers have lived side by side for centuries in a spirit of affection, friendship, and mutual respect. The American aggressors launch from the lands of our Arab friends to target children and the innocent. As for Iran's response, it will inevitably be directed at the bases of the United States and its institutions," Araghchi said.

Context: Deadly School Strike

His remarks come amid the backdrop of international outrage after strikes in Iran hit Minab Girls' Primary School in the country's Hormozgan province, killing over 160 and injuring another 100. A recent report by CNN said that analysis has suggested the US was likely responsible for the deadly strike on the elementary school. (ANI)

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