Iran pledges to defend its sovereignty while condemning US-Israeli strikes that killed children and hit a school, calling the attacks a war crime.

KUALA LUMPUR: Iran has stated it does not seek to escalate regional tensions but will defend its territory and sovereignty using all legitimate means as long as aggression continues.

The Embassy of Iran in Malaysia emphasised the country has no intention to target civilians or attack other nations in the Middle East.

“All defensive operations have been conducted with the fundamental consideration of targeting only the positions and bases of the aggressor US regime and the occupied territories, and observing the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in international humanitarian law,” it said in a statement.

It condemned a recent attack on Iran as a clear violation of its sovereignty and the United Nations Charter, calling it a crime carried out without legal or political justification.

The embassy noted the attack occurred while Iran and the United States were engaged in a diplomatic process aimed at achieving a comprehensive solution for regional peace.

“The Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” the statement said, adding that the time has now come to defend the country and confront military aggression.

It stated that among the targets hit by US and Israeli attacks were numerous civilian sites, including at least one girls’ primary school in southern Iran.

According to the latest figures provided by the embassy, about 150 children were killed and approximately 100 more were injured, with dozens still trapped under rubble alongside other civilian infrastructure.

“These deliberate attacks against centres whose civilian nature is fully recognisable are a clear example of a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and are considered a grave insult to the conscience of humanity,” it added.

 The Sun Malaysia