Iran Accuses US, Israel of Targeting Civilians; UK Ship Hit by Suspected Projectile in Gulf Waters

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, on Tuesday night alleged that the United States and Israel were deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure across Iran as the conflict in West Asia entered its 12th day.

Addressing the UN, Iravani accused the two countries of violating international law and inflicting heavy civilian damage.

"They are deliberately and discriminately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across my country. They show no respect for international law and no restraint in committing these crimes,” Iravani said.

“Densely populated residential area and critical civilian infrastructure are deliberately targeted. So far, these horrific crimes have resulted in the martyrdom of more than 1,300 civilians," he said.

"They have also destroyed 9,669 civilian sites, including 7,943 residential homes, 1,617 commercial and service centres, 32 medical and pharmaceutical facilities, 65 schools and educational institutions, 13 Red Cross building and several energy supply facilities," he added.

The Iranian envoy also claimed that recent strikes on fuel storage facilities had released toxic pollutants into the atmosphere and posed serious health risks.

What environmental violations did Amir-Saeid Iravani allege after the fuel storage strikes in Tehran?

"On the night of March 7, aggressor aircraft launched a heavy strike on fuel storage facilities in Tehran and other cities. This attack released large quantities of hazardous and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere,” he said.

“According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the explosion caused severe air pollution and serious health risk for civilians, especially children, women and elderly and those with critical health conditions,” he added.

“Rainfall on the morning of 8th March further spread the pollutants through highly acidic precipitation, increasing the risk of respiratory harm and environmental contamination," Iravani said.

"Medical centres in Tehran have been placed on high alert. This heinous attack also violates international environmental obligations, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity," he said.

Calling on the United Nations to act, the envoy warned that the consequences of inaction could extend beyond Iran.

"It is deeply regrettable that the Security Council continues to remain silent. The Council is turning a blind eye to this grave violation, despite its primary responsibility under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security,” Iravani said.

“Instead, some Council members are attempting to reverse the roles and position of victims and aggressors. Today it is Iran. Tomorrow it could be any other sovereign state. The international community must act now to stop this bloody war against the Iranian people," he added.

Why did United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations advise vessels to transit with caution near Ras Al Khaimah?

Meanwhile, the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations organisation reported a maritime security incident in the Gulf region.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a container vessel sustained damage about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah after being hit by a suspected but unidentified projectile.

The UKMTO said the master of the vessel reported that the extent of the damage was still under investigation but confirmed that all crew members were safe and accounted for.

Vessels in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity while authorities investigate the incident.

Why did Donald Trump warn Iran over mines in the Strait of Hormuz?

Earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a sharply worded warning to Iran regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

"If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

“If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction! Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he added.

In another post on Truth Social, Trump said that 10 inactive mine laying boats or ships had been destroyed.

"I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he wrote.

The United States Central Command also shared a video on X, stating that American forces were targeting Iran’s maritime capabilities.

"U.S. forces are degrading the Iranian regime's ability to project power at sea and harass international shipping. For years, Iranian forces have threatened freedom of navigation in waters essential to American, regional and global security and prosperity."

According to a report by CNN citing sources, Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important energy transit route that carries about one fifth of global crude oil shipments.

The report also stated that Iran still retains about 80 to 90 percent of its small boats and mine laying vessels and could potentially deploy hundreds of mines in the waterway.

(With inputs from ANI)