"We must do this. And I think not only Iran, but the entire international community is demanding accountability. Because what the US and Israel did is a crime against international peace and security. It's a war crime, a crime against humanity," Baqaei said.
He further stated that, under Common Article 1 of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, all states are obliged to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
"Because the atrocities committed by the US and Israel violate these principles, I believe all UN member states must call for the US and Israel to be held accountable," he told RIA Novosti.
"As for Iran, this will be a relentless call from all Iranians, and we will use our entire domestic system, as well as international law, to hold them accountable for the horrific crimes they have committed against the Iranian people," he emphasized.
On February 28, following the assassination of late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several military commanders, the US and Israel initiated a sweeping military campaign against Iran. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces executed a series of counterattacks over a span of 40 days, targeting American and Israeli military installations in the region and demonstrating their combat capabilities. Contrary to the expectations of a swift victory, the Iranian retaliations caused considerable damage to US and Israeli assets, prolonging the conflict and escalating tensions in the region.
In an attempt to ease hostilities, a two-week ceasefire was brokered on April 8, allowing for mediated negotiations to take place in Islamabad. Iran presented a ten-point plan during these discussions, which called for the withdrawal of US troops, the lifting of sanctions, and control over the key Strait of Hormuz. Despite engaging in 21 hours of intense talks with US negotiators in Pakistan, the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran without reaching an agreement, citing a lack of trust and the US’ political flip-flop.