UNICEF reports rising child casualties across the Middle East as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran
At least 190 children have been killed across the Middle East following recent United States and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF.
In a statement, UNICEF reported that 181 of the children were killed in Iran. Additional deaths included seven children in Lebanon, three in Israel and one in Kuwait, highlighting the widespread human cost of the regional escalation.
The agency warned that children are bearing the brunt of the violence as military tensions continue to rise across the region. “Children do not start wars, but they pay an unacceptably high price,” UNICEF said, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly minors.
UNICEF added that the latest wave of airstrikes over the weekend has already caused significant civilian harm and called for urgent steps to safeguard children.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to confront any possible US ground invasion, warning it would lead to a “big disaster” for American forces. Speaking to NBC News from Tehran, he said Iran remains confident in its ability to defend itself despite ongoing airstrikes.
Araghchi also blamed the US and Israel for a deadly attack on a Minab elementary school that reportedly killed 171 children, rejecting claims that an Iranian munition may have caused the tragedy.
He further revealed that negotiations with US President Donald Trump’s envoy had been underway in Geneva last week but said the recent strikes have severely damaged trust, making future dialogue unlikely.
About The Author
