Statement by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani Ambassador & Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Before the United Nations Security Council Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on “Children and Armed Conflict” New York, 24 June 2026   In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful Madam President, at the outset, allow me to congratulate you on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. We thank Colombia for convening this important annual open debate and appreciate the briefers for their valuable contributions. We take note of the Secretary-General's latest report and commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Freizer, for her tireless efforts. However, the report fails to adequately reflect the devastating humanitarian consequences of the Israeli regime's 12-day war of aggression against children in Iran in June 2025. During the aggression, 47 Iranian children were martyred. Madam. President, We cannot discuss the protection of children without addressing one of the gravest war crimes committed against Iranian children by the United States and the Israeli regime. During their recent acts of aggression against Iran, the United States and the Israeli regime deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. During this aggression, numerous schools and other educational institutions, along with other civilian objects, were struck, destroyed, or severely damaged. 220 children, including 17 under the age of five, were martyred. The most horrific crime occurred at the Primary School in Minab, Hormozgan Province. During school hours, while 264 students were attending classes, the school was struck twice by United States missiles. The attack killed 168 schoolgirls and schoolboys between the ages of 7 and 12, as well as teachers and parents, and injured more than 96 others. Many victims remained trapped beneath the rubble for hours, and several bodies were so badly injured that they could not be identified. These were children exercising their fundamental right to education in a place that should have been safe. They were civilians protected under international humanitarian law. Madam President, The attack on Minab constitutes two of the Security Council’s six grave violations against children: the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools. The US committed a war crime. It is not only an Iranian tragedy; it is a challenge to the credibility of the international legal order in which the UN was built. Iran unequivocally condemns these heinous war crimes and calls for full accountability for all perpetrators, planners, and commanders.  The memory of the children of Minab demands justice, accountability, and action—not silence. The protection of children cannot be selective. International law must apply equally to all. I thank you.