Speaking at an urgent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday, Araghchi said the reported strike on Shajare Tayyebe Elementary School on February 28 resulted in the deaths of 175 students and teachers. He termed the incident a “calculated” and deliberate attack, alleging it involved multiple strikes on the same location.
Araghchi stated that Iran is facing what he described as an “illegal war” imposed by the United States and Israel, adding that the conflict began despite ongoing diplomatic engagement. He accused both countries of undermining negotiations and escalating military actions.
Referring to the school incident, the Iranian minister said it represents “the tip of a far larger iceberg,” alleging widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. He rejected claims that the attack could have been accidental, arguing that the use of advanced weaponry indicates intentional targeting.
He called for international condemnation and accountability, describing the incident as a “war crime” and “crime against humanity,” while also asserting that the United States could not dismiss responsibility by labeling the attack a miscalculation.
Araghchi further claimed that civilian infrastructure across Iran has been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks. According to his statement, more than 600 schools have been damaged or destroyed, with over 1,000 students and teachers reportedly killed or injured. He also alleged attacks on hospitals, emergency services, energy facilities, water sources, and residential areas.
🔴 Iran s FM Araghchi delivers speech at Emergency UN Human Rights Council session on attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab:
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) March 27, 2026
🔺Iran is under an illegal war imposed by the US and Israel, two nuclear-armed aggressor regimes. This war is unjustified and brutally ruthless. pic.twitter.com/5qRYknJ2d0
The Iranian foreign minister warned that continued silence by the international community could lead to further instability, linking the current situation to broader regional conflicts. He emphasized that Iran does not seek war but would continue to defend itself.
The United States and Israel have not publicly confirmed the claims presented by Iran. Independent verification of the reported incidents remains limited, and details surrounding the alleged attack continue to be disputed.
