ANN ANish News Network | Monday, 30 March 2026

Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has strongly condemned reported strikes on industrial facilities in Iran, describing them as “state terrorism” and violations of international law.

The remarks were made in formal letters addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council.

Allegations of Attacks on Industrial Infrastructure

Iran claims that United States and Israel carried out strikes targeting major non-military industrial sites, including steel production facilities.

According to the statement:

  • The targeted facilities are civilian in nature
  • The attacks were intended to disrupt economic activity
  • The strikes affected infrastructure critical to industrial output

Legal Characterization

Iran’s envoy argued that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute:

  • Violations of international humanitarian law
  • Breaches of norms prohibiting attacks on non-military property
  • Potential acts of collective punishment against civilian populations

He further stated that such actions may qualify as war crimes if carried out with the intent to:

  • Intimidate civilians
  • Exert economic pressure
  • Undermine a country’s civilian economy

“State Terrorism” Framing

Iravani described the reported attacks as “state terrorism,” asserting that:

  • The targeting of civilian infrastructure is intended to create insecurity
  • Economic disruption is being used as a tool of pressure
  • Civilian populations are indirectly affected by such operations

This framing reflects Iran’s broader diplomatic position that distinguishes between legitimate military targets and protected civilian assets under international law.

Reference to International Humanitarian Law

The letters emphasize principles embedded in frameworks such as:

  • The Geneva Conventions
  • Customary international humanitarian law norms

Key principles cited include:

  • Distinction between civilian and military targets
  • Prohibition of indiscriminate attacks
  • Protection of essential civilian infrastructure

Broader Conflict Context

Iran attributes the reported strikes to a wider conflict that began in late February, involving:

  • Military operations targeting Iranian territory
  • Retaliatory missile and drone activity by Iranian forces
  • Escalation across multiple domains, including infrastructure and energy assets

Iran maintains that its responses are conducted under the framework of self-defense as recognized in international law.

Conclusion

Iran’s UN envoy has escalated its diplomatic response by categorizing attacks on industrial infrastructure as “state terrorism” and potential war crimes.

The communications to the United Nations underscore Iran’s effort to frame the issue within international legal mechanisms, seeking accountability while highlighting concerns over the protection of civilian economic assets during armed conflict.