The United Nations has issued an urgent call for the protection of civilians as Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks continue to intensify, warning of rising displacement and mounting humanitarian needs across the region.
Spokesperson for the UN human rights office (OHCHR), Ravina Shamdasani, expressed horror over a reported strike on a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, on Saturday that allegedly killed and injured dozens of girls at the start of the school day. She described images of bloodstained backpacks as emblematic of the devastation caused by the conflict.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was said to be “deeply shocked” by the impact of the hostilities on civilians and civilian infrastructure. He called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the Minab attack and urged that findings be made public to ensure accountability and redress for victims.
Shamdasani stressed that any attacks directed at civilians or civilian objects, or carried out indiscriminately, would constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes.
Beyond Iran and Israel, the violence has reportedly affected at least 12 other countries, damaging homes, businesses, airports and energy facilities. The OHCHR also voiced concern about the welfare of Iranians amid a nationwide internet shutdown and warned against any crackdown on dissent.
The conflict expanded after Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran were followed by counterstrikes by Tehran targeting Israel and other U.S. allies in the region.
Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned of significant displacement in Lebanon after Hezbollah entered the conflict, prompting Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
According to UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch, nearly 30,000 people have been registered in collective shelters, while many others remain stranded in traffic or sleeping in vehicles as they flee affected areas. Israeli evacuation warnings were reportedly issued to residents of more than 50 Lebanese villages.
Regional instability is also disrupting humanitarian supply chains. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted complications in maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, raising concerns over delays and rising operational costs.
WFP’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Samer Abdel Jaber, said the agency is adapting by relying more heavily on supplier networks in countries such as Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan to maintain overland humanitarian corridors.
The UN continues to urge all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians and uphold international law as the conflict threatens broader regional stability.