TEHRAN -- Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military aggression against Lebanon, describing the recent strikes on residential areas as “savage attacks” and calling on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take serious action.
In a statement, the ministry said the continuation of Israeli military aggression against Lebanon, including the “savage attacks” on residential areas in the south that have killed and wounded dozens of Lebanese civilians, including women and children, “constitutes the most severe war crimes.”
The ministry also praised the “resistance and steadfastness of the noble Lebanese nation” against Israel’s “domination and occupation” and reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The savage attacks by the Zionist regime against Lebanon and the occupation of parts of this country, accompanied by the commission of the most severe war crimes, are taking place in the shadow of America’s open support for this regime,” the statement read.’
“Therefore, the American regime is considered the main partner in the crimes of the Zionist regime in Lebanon and must be held accountable.”
The ministry also condemned the inaction of the UN Security Council in the face of Israeli aggression, warning that it has not only undermined the credibility of the United Nations but has also emboldened Israel to expand the scope of its war crimes.
“The inaction of the UN Security Council regarding the aggressive actions of the Zionist regime — which without doubt constitute a serious threat to regional and global peace and security — has not only called into question the credibility and standing of the United Nations, but has also made the Zionist regime more audacious in committing crimes and expanding the scope of its warmongering,” the statement said.
The ministry stressed that the United Nations, its secretary-general, and all member states are obligated to take necessary measures to halt Israel’s aggressive attacks and war crimes.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the responsibility of the Islamic world and the countries of the region to support Lebanon against the violations of the occupying regime,” the statement said, calling for “serious action by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation” and the use of all its capacities to halt the regime’s crimes and bring its perpetrators to justice.
The statement comes as Israeli attacks on Lebanon have intensified, with UN peacekeepers recording a significant increase in Israeli military activity over recent days. 
Lebanese health authorities report that Israeli operations have killed at least 4,381 people since March 2, including 261 children and 399 women.