At least 190 children killed in regional escalation after US-Israel attacks: UNICEF

At least 190 children have been killed across the Middle East following the United States and Israel’s attacks on Iran, with the vast majority of casualties reported in Iran, according to the United Nations children’s agency.

In a statement, UNICEF said that 181 of the children killed were in Iran, while seven deaths were reported in Lebanon, three in Israel and one in Kuwait.

The agency warned that the escalating conflict across the region has had a devastating impact on children, who continue to bear the brunt of the violence.

“Children do not start wars, but they pay an unacceptably high price,” UNICEF said, urging all parties to ensure the protection of children.

The organisation added that the military escalation over the weekend has already resulted in significant civilian harm and called for urgent measures to safeguard children across the region.

Defiance Amidst Strikes

Earlier today Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the nation is fully prepared to confront any potential US ground invasion, warning that it would result in a “big disaster” for American forces. In an exclusive interview with NBC News from Tehran, Araghchi struck a defiant tone, stating, “No, we are waiting for them. Because we are confident that we can confront them.”

His remarks come as sustained US and Israeli airstrikes continue to pound the country, significantly degrading Iran’s military defences and resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite the intensity of the bombardment, Araghchi confirmed that Tehran has not requested a ceasefire. He pointed to a previous conflict last June, asserting that it was Israel who sought an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days of Iranian resistance.

The Foreign Minister also addressed the tragic attack on a Minab elementary school, which killed 171 children. While the US military has suggested an errant Iranian munition may be responsible, Araghchi placed the blame squarely on the US and Israel. “This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the difference?” he asked.

Broken Trust and Succession

Araghchi revealed that negotiations with US President Donald Trump’s envoy were underway in Geneva as recently as last week. He stated that the simultaneous military attack has permanently damaged trust, ruling out any prospect of future dialogue with an administration that does not negotiate in “good faith.”

Regarding the succession of the late Supreme Leader, Araghchi addressed speculation that Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, might be chosen. He acknowledged the sensitivity of a dynastic transfer in the Islamic Republic but stressed that the constitutional process would be followed, with the Assembly of Experts tasked with selecting a new leader. Dismissing reports that President Trump sought a role in the selection, Araghchi asserted, “That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere.”