UN Reactions to Iranian Attacks on Israeli Civilians

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a preemptive military attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, hours after the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in breach for the first time in 20 years. The targeted strikes have been carried out against senior Iranian military personnel and nuclear scientists, as well as critical military infrastructure, including Iranian air defense systems, ballistic missile storage and production facilities, and nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the attacks as a necessary act of self-defense. “If this were not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time—it could be a year, or it could be a few months,” he said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed revenge, threatening that Israel “should expect severe punishment.” Another senior Iranian official threatened that “nowhere in Israel would be safe and revenge would be painful.” Israeli media reported that Khamenei personally ordered attacks against Israeli civilian population centers.

The Islamic Republic began targeting Israeli civilians almost immediately on Friday morning with 100 drones, all of which were intercepted. From Friday night to the early hours of Sunday morning (June 13-15), Iran launched several waves of indiscriminate ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israeli civilians throughout Israel, killing at least 13 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, and wounding 390.

Israeli Casualties and Damage Caused by Iranian Missiles

The following data is up to date as of June 24, 2025, 7:00 PM CET:

• 550+ ballistic missiles launched by Iran against Israeli civilians

• 40+ impact sites

• 28 killed, including minors

• 1,472 injured (15 serious; 58 moderate; 1,399 light)

• 15,500+ civilians evacuated from their homes.

• Tens of residential apartment buildings collapsed or declared uninhabitable in towns and cities throughout Israel.

Indiscriminate Iranian Attacks Violate International Law

These indiscriminate attacks violate the basic principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), including the principles of necessity, proportionality, distinction, and precautions. The Islamic Republic has not declared any legitimate military aims and instead has targeted its strikes at Israeli civilians using weapons that are by nature indiscriminate. Notably, Ayatollah Khamenei has openly threatened Israel with destruction for years. As recently as May 17, 2025, he described Israel as a “lethal cancerous tumor of the region that must be uprooted.”

Specific IHL violations, include:

• Violations of basic IHL principles of principles of necessity, proportionality, distinction, and precautions (See, e.g., Article 51(5), Article 57(2) of Additional Protocols I to the Fourth Geneva Conventions and Customary IHL Rules 7, 14, and 15)

• Targeting civilians in violations of Article 51 Additional Protocols I to the Fourth Geneva Convention

• Indiscriminate rocket fire in violation of Article 51(4) Additional Protocols I to the Fourth Geneva Convention (see also Customary IHL Rules 12 and 71)

• Grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions which constitute war crimes, including willful killing and extensive destruction of property not justified by military necessity (See, e.g., Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Customary IHL Rule 156)

• Crime of Aggression, as defined in Article 8bis of the Rome Statute, specifically “bombardment by the armed forces of a State against the territory of another State or the use of any weapons by a State against the territory of another State.”

UN Officials and Bodies Overwhelmingly Silent on Islamic Regime Violations

Last updated: June 24, 2025.

UN Security Council

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

• The Council held an emergency session, but no resolution or joint statement has come from it. (June 13, 2025).

• The Council held another session on the conflict, but resolution or joint statement has come from it. (June 20, 2025).

• The Council held another emergency session, but no resolution or joint statement has yet to come from it. (June 22, 2025).

Sources: UN Security Council Newsroom, UN Security Council Resolutions, UN Security Council Presidential Statements

UN General Assembly

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

• The UN General Assembly has failed to pass any resolution or hold any emergency special session on attacks against Israeli civilians by Iran. In contrast, when Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the General Assembly convened the 11th emergency special session just days later, passing a resolution condemning Russian aggression on March 2, 2022.

Sources: UN General Assembly Newsroom, UN General Assembly Press Briefings

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

Condemns Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Despite finding Iran in non-compliance a day earlier, IAEA criticizes Israel’s attacks on the Iranian nuclear facilities. “I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment. Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.” (June 13, 2025, Official Statement).

• The head of the IAEA criticized Israel’s military action in an address to the UN Security Council. “Attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security in Iran. I therefore again call on maximum restraint. Military escalation threatens lives and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.” (June 20, 2025, UN Security Council).

• The head of the IAEA spoke at the UN Security Council to express concern over the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “The dramatic events in Iran have become even more serious with last night’s bombardments and the potential widening of the conflict. I therefore again call on maximum restraint. Military escalation threatens lives and delays a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.” (June 22, 2025, UN Security Council).

• Again condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place and could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked. I therefore again call on maximum restraint. Iran has informed the IAEA that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at all three sites. I wish to thank the Iranian competent authorities for their cooperation on this matter…” (June 23, 2025, Official Statement).

Sources: IAEA Press Center, IAEA Official X Account, IAEA Director General Official X Account

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Only mentioned Iranian attacks on Israel in a statement which primarily condemned Israel, and equated Israel’s defensive strikes on military targets with Iran’s attacks on civilians.

• Purports to condemn both sides while focusing most criticism on Israel. “He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are under way.” (June 12, 2025 Official Statement).

• Equates Israeli defensive measures to eliminate Iran’s capability to threaten and attack Israel with Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on Israeli civilians. “Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian missile strikes in Tel Aviv. Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.” (June 14, 2025, Twitter).

• The Secretary-General’s spokesperson clarified Guterres’ previous statement on Iran/Israel: “He was condemning the actions — in particular, like I said, by Israel.” (June 16, 2025, Daily Press Briefing)

• Condemned the Iranian airstrikes in Qatar without mentioning that Iran targeted a U.S. base. The post also praises Qatar despite it being a state-sponsor of terror. “I am deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. I strongly condemn today’s attack by Iran on Qatar, a country that has been active for peace in the region and further afield.” (June 24, 2025, Twitter).

Sources: UN Secretary-General Press Center, UN Press Briefings, Secretary-General Official X Account

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk (and his spokespeople)

Only mentioned Iranian attacks on Israel in neutral statements equating Israel’s defensive strikes on military targets with Iran’s attacks on civilians.

• Neutral statement calling for “de-escalation” by both sides and not specifically condemning indiscriminate Iranian attacks on Israeli civilians. “The military escalation between Israel and Iran is deeply worrying, and I join all those appealing for de-escalation and urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward. And I call for full respect of international law by both sides, in particular the protection of civilians in densely populated areas.” (June 16, 2025, HRC 59 Opening Remarks).

• The UN deputy human rights chief Nada Al-Nashif equated Israel’s defensive strikes with Iran’s attacks on civilians while drawing particular concern for residents of Tehran. “We are following closely and are aware of reports that many thousands of residents are fleeing parts of the capital, Tehran, as a result of warnings covering broad areas.” (June 18, 2025, HRC 59).

• Neutral statement calling for “restraint” on both sides. “The wide-scale, continuing attacks by Israel across Iran, and the missile and drone strikes launched in response by Iran, are inflicting severe human rights and humanitarian impacts on civilians, and risk setting the whole region ablaze. The only way out of this spiralling illogic of escalation is maximum restraint, full respect for international law, and return in good faith to the negotiating table.” (June 19, 2025, Official Statement).

• After UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Türk added that he is “deeply concerned by the latest developments and the use of force by the United States against multiple sites in Iran” and “fully echoes the statement by the UN Secretary General.” (June 22, 2025, Twitter).

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Official OHCHR X Account, Official High Commissioner X Account

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Sigrid Kaag

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

Sources: UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Official Statements, UN Press Briefings

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

Tom Fletcher, who infamously spread the lie that “14,000 babies” in Gaza were to die in 48 hours, showed no concern whatsoever for Israeli civilians bombed by Iran’s regime. On the contrary, he went on Mehdi Hasan’s show to accuse Israel of violating the UN Charter.

Sources: UN Humanitarian Coordinator Official Statements, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Official Humanitarian Coordinator X Account

UN Commission of Inquiry on Israel (The Pillay Commission)

Silent on Iranian attacks against Israel.

• Commented on the escalation only in the context of condemning Israel for violations in Gaza. They did not condemn indiscriminate Iranian attacks on Israeli civilians. “The violence has extended now into southern Lebanon, then Yemen and now Iran. We have said in relation to violence in Palestine and Israel that security can only come with peace. We say that again now in relation to this new regional conflict involving Israel and Iran. Peace, justice, and respect for human rights are the only ways forward in which the peoples of the region can live in security.” (June 17, 2025, HRC 59, 4th meeting).

Sources: UN Commission of Inquiry on Israel Official Website, UN Geneva Press Center, OHCHR Official Statements

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine

Only mention of Iranian attacks on Israel was in a one-sided joint statement of special rapporteurs that primarily condemned Israel.

Frequently condemned Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Characterizes Israeli strikes on Iran as “aggression” to deflect from other fronts. “Glad my colleague Mai Sato, UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, spoke out on yet another act of aggression that risks escalating regional tensions — and deflecting attention from Gaza, the West Bank, the assault on the Madleen, and the global uprising for Palestine. Eyes on all fronts.” (June 13, 2025, Twitter).

• Condemns Israel in response to French President Emanuel Macron reaffirming “Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security” following the Iranian attacks. Albanese tweets “On the day Israel, unprovoked, has attacked Iran, killing 80 people, the president of a major European power, finally admits that in the Middle East, Israel, and only Israel, has the right to defend itself.” (June 14, 2025, Twitter).

• Expresses disbelief at Ursula von der Leyen reiterating “Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its people.” Albanese tweets “Beyond dystopia.” (June 14, 2025, Twitter).

• Several UN experts, including Francesca Albanese, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Reem Alsalem, Mai Sato, and Ben Saul issued a one-sided statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran which the statement said violated the UN Charter and “aggravates the charges against Israel of posing a threat to peace and security in the region and beyond.” At the same time, the statement minimized the danger of the Iranian nuclear program (referred to as “alleged nuclear proliferation”) and completely ignored Iran’s ongoing threats and attacks against Israel both directly and through its proxies for years, and in particular its role in the October 7th attack resulting in the current war. Falsely equating Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian military targets with Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on Israeli civilians, the statement expresses “grave concerns” about “Israel’s attacks and Iran’s response.” Instead of condemning the Iranian attacks on civilian targets on Israel which have been confirmed by video and photographic evidence, the statement merely “noted reports” that “Iran’s armed response had caused damage to a hospital and residential buildings.” (June 20, 2025, Official Statement). On Twitter, Albanese added: “We, UN human rights experts, firmly condemn the Israeli attack on Iran and call for an immediate end to the hostilities. Yet another flagrant violation of the UN Charter amidst the genocide in Gaza, which because of states’ inertia, seems unstoppable.” (June 21, 2025, Twitter).

• After UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Albanese added that “the Secretary-General’s alarm has never been louder—his anguish palpable. It is still not too late for the 191 other UN Member States to act. Stand FIRM against rapacious lawlessness.” (June 22, 2025, Twitter).

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Francesca Albanese’s X Account

Balakrishnan Rajagopal, UN Special Rapporteur on Housing

Only mention of Iranian attacks on Israel was in a one-sided joint statement of special rapporteurs that primarily condemned Israel.

Condemns Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Immediately takes to twitter to defend the slain Iranian nuclear scientists. “Israel’s attack on Iran is a grave violation of international law including attacks on nuclear scientists at their homes. Israel is a serial violator of jus cogens norms and there must be meaningful sanctions and containment measures against it.” (June 13, 2025, Twitter).

• Shares an Al Jazeera article entitled “Shock, fear in Tehran after Israel bombs residential, military areas,” and accuses Israel of domicide. “Bombing residential areas is DOMICIDE but now seen as a central part of any war. We all need to ask: can this kind of war ever comply with humanitarian law or any law? Time to put all of our efforts into ENDING WAR itself.” (June 13, 2025, Twitter).

• Joined on to a one-sided statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran. See under Francesca Albanese for more information. (June 20, 2025, Official Statement). On Twitter, Rajagopal added: “I join my fellow UN experts to condemn the Israeli attack on Iran and call for an end to hostilities.” (June 20, 2025, Twitter).

• Condemned the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “Now with the US’ illegal attack on Iran the world enters a more dangerous phase. Time for mass action to end these criminal acts.” (June 22, 2025, Twitter).

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Balakrishnan Rajagopal’s X Account

Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on Iran

Only mention of Iranian attacks on Israel was in a one-sided joint statement of special rapporteurs that primarily condemned Israel.

Condemns Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Echoes statement by Secretary-General Guterres, focusing on Israeli attack. “The Israeli strikes on Iran, occurring just days before planned US-Iran talks in Oman, are deeply concerning and risk undermining diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful resolution…” (June 13, 2025, Twitter).

• Joined on to a one-sided statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran. See under Francesca Albanese for more information. (June 20, 2025, Official Statement). Sato added on Twitter, “I denounce Israeli aggression on the Islamic Republic of Iran as breaches of international law. Israeli military actions have triggered mass population displacement, compelling residents to evacuate their homes.” (June 21, 2025, Twitter).

• Joined the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran in calling for “civilian protection and respect for human rights as Israeli attacks cause extensive suffering.” Although the statement is critical of Iran’s restrictions on internet access and treatment of prisoners, the statement does not explicitly condemn Iranian airstrikes, which it frames as “counterstrikes.” (June 23, 2025, Official Statement).

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Mai Sato’s X Account

Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights While Countering Terrorism

Mentioned Iranian attacks against Israel in an op-ed that primarily condemned Israel and in a one-sided joint statement of special rapporteurs that primarily condemned Israel.

Condemns Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Immediately condemns Israel for supposedly violating international law, although he claims his statement is made not in his UN capacity. “(In my academic capacity) Israel’s strikes on Iran are a prohibited use of force under article 2(4) of the UN Charter, an armed attack under article 51 giving Iran a right of self-defence and likely an international crime of aggression by Israeli leaders” (June 13, 2025, Twitter).

• Wrote an Op-ed for the Guardian claiming Israel violated international law by striking Iran’s nuclear program. “Iran is obviously not attacking Israel with nuclear weapons. Israel’s current aggression against Iran is sadly part of a pattern of unlawful ‘anticipatory’ violence against other countries. By allowing Israeli impunity for alleged international crimes in Gaza, the world has enabled Israel to feel untouchable and commit ever more severe violations.” (June 16, 2025, The Guardian).

• Joined on to a one-sided statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran. See under Francesca Albanese for more information. (June 20, 2025, Official Statement). Saul added on Twitter, “I join UN experts in condemning Israel’s illegal, aggressive armed attack on Iran. “Preventive” strikes against nuclear & missile programs & terrorism are grave violations of the United Nations Charter and are destructive of international order, peace & human rights.” (June 22, 2025, Twitter).

• In a statement for the Guardian, Saul condemned the U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it an “international crime of aggression,” which marked a “new low” in the ongoing erosion of international law. (June 22, 2025, The Guardian).

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Ben Saul’s X Account

Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women

Only mention of Iranian attacks on Israel was in a one-sided joint statement of special rapporteurs that primarily condemned Israel.

Condemns Israeli attacks on military targets in Iran:

• Absurdly invokes violence against women in regard to Israel’s defensive attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites. “Hundreds of women and girls have been killed by Israel in the last two years alone not only in #Palestine but also #Syria, #Yemen, #lebanon, and now #Iran. Through its unlawful warfare and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, Israel is also a major perpetrator of violence against women and girls that must be recognized by feminists, called out, and stopped.” (June 13, 2025, Twitter). Alsalem’s tweet dilutes and undermines the concept of violence against women by applying it to women and girls being killed or injured in war. While civilian deaths in war are tragic, it is not a women’s issue as war affects all civilians – men and women equally. The term “violence against women” is defined in various international instruments, including, the Beijing Platform for Action and Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women as “gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women…” It includes such violence whether committed by the family, the general community or the state. An example of violence against women perpetrated by a state is the Islamic Republic’s enforcement of its forced hijab law by beating women, arresting them, and subjecting them to various forms of psychological and sexual torture in prison, including rape. By using a term that is meant to encapsulate a specific kind of violence targeting women because they are women and applying it to war in general, Alsalem strips the term of its meaning.

• Joined on to a one-sided statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran. See under Francesca Albanese for more information. (June 20, 2025, Official Statement). Tragically, wars affect all civilians, including men, women, and children. However, this is not specifically a women’s issue and does not fall under the definition of violence against women.

Sources: OHCHR Official Statements, Reem Alsalem’s X Account

UNHCR

Only mentioned Iranian attacks on Israel in neutral statements equating Israel’s defensive strikes on military targets with Iran’s attacks on civilians.

• The UNHCR High Commissioner issued a neutral statement while also praising Iran for accepting Afghan refugees. “I join @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in calling for restraint and de-escalation in the Iran/Israel war. Civilians — Iranians and Israelis — must be spared. We at UNHCR think of the people of Iran, long-time hosts of Afghan refugees and now facing devastation and fear.” (June 18, 2025, Twitter).

• Issued a highly neutral statement directed at all parties. “UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is joining the UN Secretary-General and other leaders in appealing for an urgent de-escalation in the dangerously spiralling conflict between Israel and Iran. The intensity of the attacks is already triggering population movements in both countries.” (June 21, 2025, Official Statement).

Sources: UNHCR Media Center, Official UNHCR X Account, Official High Commissioner X Account

World Health Organization

Only mentioned Iranian attacks on Israel in statements condemning both Israel’s defensive strikes on military targets and Iran’s attacks on civilians.

• Issued a statement ostensibly showing concern for both Israel and Iran while particularly criticizing Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. “The escalation of violence between Israel and Iran is extremely concerning — and is costing the lives of civilians, including children. The growing number of injured civilians are also distressing. WHO’s particular concern is the targeting of nuclear sites, which may have immediate and long-term impacts on the environment and health of people in Iran and across the region.” (June 17, 2025, Twitter).

• Issued a statement condemning both sides for putting healthcare facilities at risk after Iran intentionally targeted the Soroka Medical Center in Israel. “The escalation of hostilities between #Israel and #Iran is putting health facilities and access to health care at risk. The reports on the attacks on health so far are appalling. We call on all parties to protect health facilities, health personnel and patients at all times.” (June 19, 2025, Twitter).

• By contrast, WHO has issued more than 20 statements critical of Israel since October 7th, 2023.

Sources: WHO Newsroom, Official WHO X Account, WHO Director-General Official X Account

UNICEF

Only mention of Iranian attacks on Israel was in a highly neutral statement directed at all parties.

• “This weekend’s surge in violence across the Middle East signals a dangerous escalation. Children are once again paying the ultimate price. Since Friday, an intense military escalation in the region has seen strikes on Iran and Israel hit residential areas, killing and injuring civilians – including children – and causing damage to civilian infrastructure. Beyond the death toll, this alarming escalation creates widespread fear and trauma among children in all communities.” (June 15, 2025, Official Statement)

Sources: UNICEF Press Center, Official UNICEF X Account, UNICEF Executive Director Official X Account