President Masoud Pezeshkian, on Tuesday, stated that the United States’ aerial bombardments that claimed many lives in Iran were not justifiable.
Pezeshkian decried the airstrikes on civilians during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
“They killed our scientists, innocent schoolchildren, and our commanders,” he fumed.
“They talk about democracy and claim to respect human rights, but there is no justification for such actions,” he added.
The president emphasized that Washington has no legitimate right to impose sanctions, “violate international law, and act aggressively whenever they want.”
Pezeshkian said Iran is confronting the U.S. from a position of strength, reaffirming Tehran’s unwavering commitment to the memorandum of understanding between both nations.
The leader added that if the U.S. returns to compliance with the agreements set out within the framework, Iran will act likewise and comply with all the provisions.
Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its stance since the start of the war and U.S. sanctions, as well as for its support at the United Nations and other international organisations.
In his remarks, Putin said that while the ceasefire has proven to be “unstable,” Russia will continue rendering the necessary support to Iran, including the supply of goods and commodities.
“Russia is standing in full solidarity with the people of Iran.
“We admire your courage and resilience in your fight for your national interests,” he told Pezeshkian.
On February 28, a missile strike destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, killing 156 people, including 120 children and 26 teachers, and triggering outrage.
Investigations and satellite imagery analyses by Amnesty International, Forensic Architecture, media organisations, and others concluded that a U.S. Tomahawk missile hit the school.
Six months later, the American government has not officially taken responsibility for the incident, with the Pentagon maintaining that it is still under internal investigation.
The tragedy is listed in the impeachment articles that House Democrats filed against Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who is accused of gross negligence and abuse of power.
Iran to US: ‘No justification for killing schoolchildren, scientists’