‘Heinous crime’: Iran denounces Israeli assassination of 4 Iranian diplomats in Lebanon

Iran has strongly condemned the killing of four of its diplomats in Beirut, describing the incident as a “heinous crime” and a serious violation of international law. Iranian officials say the attack was carried out by Israel and targeted Iranian representatives working in Lebanon.

The accusation was made by Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, in a formal letter sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday.

Targeted Strike Reported at Beirut Hotel

In the letter, Iravani stated that the incident happened on March 8 when a targeted strike reportedly hit the Ramada Hotel in Beirut.

According to the Iranian envoy, the attack killed four senior Iranian diplomats who were staying at the hotel at the time.

He explained that the diplomats had moved to the hotel as a temporary safety measure after public threats were made against Iranian officials working in Lebanon.

The relocation was reportedly done in coordination with Lebanese authorities.

Iran Calls Attack a Violation of International Law

Iravani said the killing of diplomats serving abroad is a serious violation of international law.

He described the incident as an act of terrorism against official representatives of a sovereign state who were working in another sovereign country.

The Iranian envoy said such actions violate the UN Charter and the 1973 Convention on the Protection of Internationally Protected Persons.

He urged the United Nations to take the matter seriously and ensure accountability.

Iran Says Israel Responsible

The ambassador said Israel bears full responsibility for the killings and must be held accountable.

He called the attack a war crime and warned that violations of international law cannot go unanswered.

Iran has demanded that the international community investigate the incident and respond to what it described as a dangerous escalation.

Rising Regional Tensions

The incident comes during a period of rising tensions in the Middle East.

Iran says recent military actions by Israel and the United States have increased instability in the region.

According to Iranian statements, the recent escalation has resulted in heavy casualties, including civilians and military personnel.

Iran also says it has responded by launching missile and drone strikes against targets it associates with Israeli and US military presence in the region.

Calls for International Response

Iranian officials are urging the United Nations and other international organizations to respond to the incident.

They say attacks against diplomats threaten international security and diplomatic norms.

For now, the situation remains tense as diplomatic reactions continue and calls grow for an independent investigation into the incident.