Lamerd Symbolizes Iran’s Resistance Against US Aggression, Says Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has described the southern city of Lamerd as a symbol of the Iranian people’s resistance, resilience and strength in the face of US aggression. Speaking upon his arrival at Lamerd Martyrs Airport, Baghaei said he had traveled to the city to pay tribute to its people, meet families of those killed in the conflict and honor veterans who, despite difficult circumstances, had remained steadfast. He said the resilience displayed by Lamerd represented the broader determination of the Iranian people to withstand hostile pressure.

Baghaei recalled the February 28 attack on a crowded sports facility in Lamerd, which, according to Iranian authorities, killed 21 young people and injured around 100 others. He said the attack occurred on the first day of the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran and condemned the targeting of civilians, including children and teenagers. After viewing a documentary about the war in Lamerd, Baghaei characterized the incident as a crime not only against the city but against Iran and humanity as a whole.

The Iranian spokesman also thanked journalists for documenting the consequences of the conflict and highlighting what he described as the deliberate targeting of civilians. Referring to reports that Lamerd had been selected for the use or testing of a cluster weapon during the opening phase of the aggression, Baghaei said the choice made the alleged crime particularly grave. He stressed that documenting such incidents and pursuing accountability were a collective responsibility, warning that Lamerd should not become the first or last example of such violence and calling for efforts to ensure justice for the victims.