New York — Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir‑Saeid Iravani, accused the United States of breaching international law and committing a war crime after what he described as an attack that sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Speaking outside UN Headquarters, Iravani said the action occurred “a dangerous act of aggression at sea,” nearly 2,000 miles from Iran’s coast, and that the Dena — on a goodwill visit by invitation and escorting the Indian Navy — had been struck in international waters with about 130 sailors aboard. He said nearly 100 Iranian sailors were killed.
Iravani urged the UN Security Council to act “firmly, clearly, and without delay,” calling for condemnation of what he called a joint US‑Israel campaign against Iran. He asked the Security Council and the UN secretary‑general to denounce the alleged aggression and violations of international humanitarian law, to stop further attacks on Iran and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure accountability for what he characterized as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi also condemned recent US strikes, accusing them of targeting children and innocent civilians and warning that Iran’s response would be aimed at US bases and institutions. In a post on X, Araghchi alleged the strikes were launched “from the lands of our Arab friends” and reiterated that Iran’s retaliation would be directed at American bases and institutions.
Those remarks followed a deadly strike in Hormozgan province that hit Minab Girls’ Primary School; Iranian officials say the attack killed more than 160 people and wounded about 100. A recent analysis by CNN suggested the United States was likely responsible for the strike on the elementary school. Iranian leaders are demanding international action and accountability as tensions and calls for retaliatory measures escalate.
