TEHRAN -- Iran’s Justice Minister Amin-Hussein Rahimi called on Monday for independent lawyers to pursue war crimes prosecutions against American and Israeli officials, during a meeting with an international delegation of lawyers and Pakistani judicial authorities in Tehran.
Rahimi said Iran and Pakistan should use universal jurisdiction provisions in countries such as Armenia, Belgium, Germany, and South Africa to file complaints against those responsible for atrocities in Gaza and Iran.
“The volume of crimes and oppression against the people of Gaza is deeply shocking,” Rahimi said. 
“The American government’s support for the Zionist regime’s actions has made the legal and international responsibility of the perpetrators and their backers even more significant.”
Rahimi said Iran entered negotiations with the United States last year but was attacked during the talks. After a ceasefire and mediation by countries including Pakistan, negotiations resumed, but Iran was attacked again mid-talks, resulting in the martyrdom of its leader and several commanders, he said.
“The other side imagined that with the martyrdom of the leadership, the country would collapse,” Rahimi said. “But the Islamic Republic maintained its cohesion and authority, responded militarily, and this process ultimately led to the other side requesting a ceasefire.”
He reiterated that Iran possesses nuclear knowledge and capability but is not seeking a nuclear weapon, citing the fatwa of the martyred leader. 
He said Iran remains ready for negotiations to secure its rights but maintains full defensive readiness and will not retreat in the face of aggression.
Rahimi said a memorandum of understanding between Iranian and Pakistani lawyers’ centers would allow for the exchange of expertise and expanded judicial cooperation. 
He emphasized that attacks on schools, hospitals, bridges, and critical infrastructure constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Pakistani delegates proposed forming joint mechanisms among Islamic countries, including shared banking arrangements, and holding an international conference with lawyers and legal experts from various countries to strengthen a collective voice for peace and justice.