Tehran: Iran's High Council for Human Rights has issued a strong condemnation of recent US military strikes on the country, citing the attacks as a grave breach of international law. The council claims that these strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and violated international humanitarian law and states' obligations to protect civilians.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the council's statement highlighted that the attacks particularly affected the southern provinces of Khuzestan, Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchestan. The statement called attention to the international responsibility of the United States for the consequences of its actions, as official figures from Iran's Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education reported that 50 people were killed and more than 517 others were injured as of July 19.

The victims reportedly included five women and two children under the age of 18, while the injured encompassed 35 women and 19 children under 18, with 33 individuals still hospitalized. The statement also referenced an announcement by Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, which indicated that the death toll from a US strike on bridges in Bandar Khamir County had risen to seven, with ongoing medical treatment for the injured.

The council emphasized that the attacks violated the right to life and the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. It stressed the international obligations of states to protect civilians and held the US accountable for the ensuing consequences. The statement pointed out that the victims included not only military targets but also women, children, and ordinary citizens, many of whom were residents reliant on maritime trade and already burdened by economic hardships due to sanctions.

The statement underscored the right to life as the most fundamental human right, recognized by Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It criticized the silence and perceived double standards of some governments and institutions that profess to defend human rights but have not effectively responded to the civilian casualties and infrastructure attacks.