Iran (IMNA) - Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baghaei said the US attack was intended to create fear and intimidate the population. He paid tribute to the people of Lamerd, particularly the families of those killed and disabled veterans, describing them as symbols of patience and insight in defending their country and resisting what he called criminal acts.
Referring to his recent visit to Lamerd in Fars Province, Baghaei said what he witnessed firsthand was far more severe than the picture previously conveyed through the media.
“The sheer brutality involved in this crime is incompatible with any human standard or principle,” he said.
Baghaei stressed that turning the center and civilian areas of a small city with a population of about 30,000 into a testing ground for advanced weapons was incompatible with humanitarian principles.
Detailing the attack, he said four missiles, each weighing approximately 500 kilograms and containing a total of 180,000 pellets measuring three to four grams, were detonated over the city. According to Baghaei, the missiles struck areas around the city's stadium, residential neighborhoods, the vicinity of the Blood Transfusion Center, educational facilities and schools.
He described the attack as a definite war crime, both because of the weapon allegedly used, which he identified as a missile classified as a cluster munition, and because civilian areas and neighborhoods were targeted.
Baghaei said the attack took place on the first day of the joint US and Israeli military aggression against Iran, when Tehran and several other Iranian cities, including Minab, were also targeted. He said the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School was among the sites targeted during the aggression.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, 21 people, including an Afghan national, were killed in the Lamerd attack. He also described the suffering of those who were disabled as a result of the incident as indescribable.
US attack on Iranian vessel near Hengam
Baghaei also addressed the recent US attack on an Iranian vessel near Hengam Island, offering condolences to the family of the latest Iranian martyr.
He said one person was killed and several others were wounded in the attack, including two Pakistani citizens.
The spokesman questioned the US presence in the region, saying Washington had deployed military forces thousands of kilometers from its own borders while claiming to be concerned about the safety and security of maritime navigation.
He said the attack on an Iranian vessel close to Iran's own coastline and borders was another indication of what he described as the contradiction between US claims and its actions.
Iran-Oman understanding on safe navigation
Regarding the understanding between Iran and Oman on establishing safe maritime routes, Baghaei said the two coastal states had reached an agreement following weeks of negotiations on an issue concerning the two countries.
He said Iran and Oman had intended to present the understanding at a meeting involving regional countries as part of a responsible and forward-looking approach.
According to Baghaei, the Iran-Oman understanding provides for safe navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereignty of both countries.
He said the initiative had created an opportunity for dialogue among regional states, stressing that neighboring countries should recognize the sensitivity of the current situation and make use of opportunities for dialogue.
“If we truly believe that—as permanent neighbors, and despite all the legitimate grievances we hold regarding the conduct of certain nations—we ought to sit at the same table and discuss establishing a secure region free from the interference of destructive foreign actors, then this meeting presented an excellent opportunity,” he said.
Baghaei also confirmed reports that the planned regional meeting had been postponed, saying Saudi Arabia had requested that the meeting not be held for the time being.
He warned that the continuation of war among Muslim countries serves the interests of the Israeli regime by contributing to regional insecurity.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated that Iran has consistently expressed its readiness to help regional countries resolve their disputes and reach agreements without seeking an interventionist role in the process.
“We are well aware that the continuation of war in the region among Islamic countries has only one winner—the Zionist regime,” Baghaei said, adding that regional states should seriously consider the Israeli regime's interest in perpetuating tension and insecurity among Islamic nations.
US claims about Pickaxe Mountain
Baghaei also dismissed US claims regarding construction activity at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, describing them as part of Washington's psychological warfare.
He stressed that Iran's policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz would not be dictated by outside powers.
Austria's visa decision
Addressing Austria's denial of visas to an Iranian delegation attending an International Atomic Energy Agency conference, Baghaei said the decision constituted a breach of Austria's international obligations.
Iran and international institutions
Responding to a question about US efforts to isolate Iran and the role of the BRICS group in countering such policies, Baghaei said a country that stands up for itself and has earned the admiration and praise of many nations cannot be isolated.
He acknowledged that some countries may refrain from openly expressing such views because of considerations related to the United States.
Baghaei said the international community, including regional countries, had recognized that US actions had undermined international norms that are essential for maintaining international peace and security.
He further accused Washington of turning the United Nations into an instrument for pursuing its own objectives and reducing the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency to a political tool.
According to Baghaei, the United States has also violated fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force.
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