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Iran Condemns U.S. Actions as Geneva Conventions Anniversary Passes

Wertynews.com – On Wednesday, marking the 77th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions’ signing, Tehran leveled accusations against Washington for alleged war crimes committed during recent military operations. Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, took to social media to voice these concerns.

“The international community, the States Parties to the Geneva Conventions, and Switzerland as the depositary of these instruments cannot remain indifferent to such unprecedented violations, which constitute clear war crimes,” Baqaei stated.

The diplomat highlighted what he described as deliberate targeting of civilian facilities, arguing this behavior breaches the agreements established on August 12, 1949. These accords outline conduct parameters for all nations involved in armed conflict, encompassing both the United States and Iran.

Baqaei further characterized the lack of consequences for American actions as damaging a cornerstone achievement from the post-war period. He emphasized that when legal frameworks yield to political strength, public trust erodes alongside physical structures.

“Wherever the law falls silent before power, what collapses is not merely a bridge or a power plant, but humanity’s confidence in the possibility of the rule of law in international relations,” Baqaei added. “If the threat to destroy civilian infrastructure becomes normalized in international affairs, no state can any longer feel secure about the inviolability of its hospitals, electricity grids, bridges, water facilities, or other vital arteries against external aggression.”

Leadership Changes in Tehran

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei elevated Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei to a prominent position on the nation’s Supreme National Security Council this week. Rezaei, a seasoned Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, previously led the IRGC throughout the eight-year conflict with Iraq during the 1980s.

After stepping away from military duties following that war, Rezaei pursued political office multiple times without securing victory. Though some observers believed he had been marginalized, he reemerged within IRGC leadership circles last year. His influence grew further in March when he received an advisory role under the new supreme leader.

Argentine authorities maintain a warrant for Rezaei’s arrest concerning his purported participation in a fatal assault on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994. During his various presidential bids, he gained attention for provocative remarks, including proposals that Iran should detain American servicemen and seek substantial financial compensation for their release.

International Pressure Mounts

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that the European Union alongside twenty-six additional nations had issued a joint appeal to Tehran. The declaration urged Iran to halt executions of demonstrators and liberate political detainees.

“We call on the Iranian regime to immediately end its use of the death penalty and to release all those arbitrarily detained,” the statement read.

Barrot shared an image of the proclamation on X, noting that signatories included major powers such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain. The group expressed strong condemnation of Iran’s continued reliance on capital punishment for protesters.

According to Amnesty International’s May publication, Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions in 2025, representing more than twice the number recorded in the preceding year.

Israeli Forces Maintain Presence in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz traveled to southern Lebanon on Wednesday, declaring intentions to dismantle underground facilities and maintain military presence across multiple regions. Katz committed to keeping troops stationed in what Israel terms a “security zone,” as well as in Syria and Gaza.

His remarks followed nearly two months since Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement brokered by the United States. That framework outlines Hezbollah’s disarmament, a phased pullback of Israeli soldiers from Lebanon’s southern territories, and deployment of Lebanese armed forces into designated “pilot zones.”

Both Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have consistently refused to abandon the security zone, which extends approximately six miles into Lebanese territory. During his visit to soldiers, Katz reiterated this position.

“As the prime minister and I have clearly stated, we are not withdrawing from this security zone,” Katz said, according to his office’s statement. “The Israeli military is here to protect the northern communities and its own forces. We will clear this area and guarantee the security of the residents of the north. We will in no way withdraw from the security zones: not in Lebanon, not in Syria and not in Gaza.”

Within southern Lebanon, Katz observed active destruction of subterranean infrastructure as part of ongoing operations.