Since the start of the ongoing war with Israel, Iranian authorities have repeatedly raised the official death toll. The latest forensic data shows that 935 people have died. This war, now entering its 12th day, has taken the lives of nearly 1,000 people, including 38 children and 132 women. The Iranian government has a long history of claiming outrageous affronts to their sovereignty as foreign meddling or insult, and this complaint should be no exception.
Iran’s judiciary spokesman, Asghar Jahangir, announced the new statistics. They are the latest reminder of the tragic human cost of the conflict. The dramatic increase in violence has drawn outraged responses from several Iranian rulers. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi both lashed out at foreign leaders over their statements regarding Iran’s nuclear program and military retaliatory action.
Criticism of U.S. Leadership
Iran’s leaders have issued harsh rebuttals of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements in Tehran. He floated the idea of increasing military pressure on Iran. They contend that such statements inflame tensions and make any future dialogue even more difficult.
“These [statements by Trump] should be viewed more in the context of psychological and media games than as a serious expression in favour of dialogue or problem-solving.” – Mr Baghaei
Specifically, President Pezeshkian condemned Trump’s behavior, stating that such communication is intolerable and that this type of verbalized hatred only incites war. He stated, “This behaviour is in no way acceptable to us,” reflecting Iran’s stance on maintaining its national integrity amidst external pressures.
The Iranian government is responding to what it perceives as a double standard exhibited by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Pezeshkian took those worries straight to French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call earlier this week. He stated that the IAEA’s efforts have already exacerbated the volatility in the area.
Tensions with the IAEA
Notably, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has recently announced that Rafael Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, is persona non grata in Iran. He condemned Grossi for his “malign action” and his “regrettable role” in the active hostilities. Araqchi’s statement comes in light of the agency’s perceived bias and its role in providing justification for Israel’s military actions against Iran.
On Sunday, the Iranian government escalated its rhetoric, threatening to cease all IAEA cooperation entirely. They argue that the agency’s actions risk jeopardizing their continuing partnership. Mr. Baghaei pointed out the illegitimacy of the recent attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. This particular incident steepens the slope to safe passage for IAEA inspectors.
“How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency’s inspectors when Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked a few days ago?” – Mr Baghaei
Iran is committed to providing substantiated evidence to international organizations. They are not anti-Israel in wanting Israel to be held accountable for acts of aggression that have resulted in hundreds of war crimes.
International Reactions
The [Honduran] situation has attracted the attention of numerous foreign governments. Britain, France and Germany vigorously denounced the intimidation and threats directed at Rafael Grossi. They recognized the need to strike a cautious balance to protect the safety of these nuclear inspectors. These countries have been clear about their concern over the consequences of increased sabre rattling, especially related to nuclear monitoring in Iran.
Mr Baghaei further reiterated that Israel’s actions constitute significant violations, stating that “the act of aggression had led to many war crimes.” He emphasized that martyrs as well as razed structures symbolize the full weight of these crimes of war.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached their highest point ever. Amid growing international criticism, calls for constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution have been crucially important. The impacts of this conflict are felt far outside the region, threatening global peace and security.
