WANA (Mar 30) – The Deputy for International and Humanitarian Affairs of Iran’s Red Crescent Society stated that widespread attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted approximately 600 educational institutions across the country, including schools, universities, and other academic facilities.

 

Razieh Alishvandi said the strikes have not only endangered the lives of students, researchers, and faculty members, but have also resulted in the deaths of many. She emphasized that under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, educational institutions are protected, and targeting them constitutes a violation that could be classified as a war crime.

 

She added that on Sunday, the Faculty of Physics building at Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran — a top academic institution with no military function — was struck, causing severe damage to classrooms and professors’ offices. According to Alishvandi, such actions demonstrate a disregard for the civilian nature of these facilities.

 

Alishvandi further stressed that principles of proportionality, precaution, and distinction under international law must be upheld, and described the attacks as a clear breach of humanitarian law.

 

She noted that the Red Crescent has so far sent more than 23 letters to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, documenting alleged violations, including attacks on residential areas, media outlets, airports, passenger aircraft, and medical and educational centers.

 

According to her, these incidents are being recorded daily and reported to international bodies, including the ICC. She added that a formal letter was also sent to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, stating that such actions could be considered war crimes under international law.