Iran has strongly condemned the recent Iran telecom attacks and called for international action. These Iran telecom attacks damaged critical telecommunications infrastructure, leaving millions of civilians without essential services. Ali Bahreini, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, addressed the attacks in a letter to ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. He described the strikes as illegal and a serious breach of international law.
The airstrikes directly hit hospitals, schools, parks, fuel depots, and police stations. They also partially or completely destroyed the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting headquarters and several transmission stations. Preliminary assessments estimate the damage exceeds $150 million. Consequently, public broadcasting services stopped for over 15 million citizens. Tragically, two technical staff members died while keeping communications operational.
Bahreini stressed that Article 79 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions protects journalists and technical staff as civilians. He added that attacks on them could constitute war crimes. Moreover, he noted that destroying broadcasting facilities violates the right to information under international human rights law. He urged the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau and General Secretariat to formally condemn the strikes. Furthermore, he requested that the matter be discussed at the next Radio Regulations Board meeting.
He also called for suspending frequency allocation privileges for violators until they comply with international law. The attacks began on February 28, coinciding with the assassination of Iran’s Leader and senior military officials. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes on affected areas, including foreign bases connected to the attackers.
Analysts warn that these Iran telecom attacks could heighten regional tensions and disrupt international communications. Therefore, they recommend stronger global safeguards to protect civilian telecommunications networks. Iran continues to demand binding measures to secure telecommunications from military targeting. Ultimately, officials emphasize that upholding international law is crucial to protect civilian lives and essential services.