The conflict ignited by US-Israel strikes on Iran has already devastated 67,414 civilian sites, with hostilities spreading across the Middle East and disproportionately affecting ordinary people, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk reported on Thursday. The escalation is now increasingly targeting densely populated areas and critical energy infrastructure, raising fears of severe long-term humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences.
Türk described the situation as catastrophic, noting that attacks are being carried out without consideration for civilian safety. Critical energy facilities, including South Pars in Iran and Ras Laffan in Qatar, have been targeted, marking a dangerous new phase in the war. The destruction of these installations threatens to worsen shortages of fuel, electricity, and essential goods, creating hardships that could persist for years.
In Iran, strikes have damaged housing complexes, schools, medical facilities, shops, courthouses, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, among the 67,414 civilian sites struck, 498 are schools and 236 are health facilities. These attacks are contributing to disruptions in electricity and supply chains, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
The violence has also spread across the region. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in significant civilian casualties and the displacement of over one million people, while Iranian missile attacks and Hezbollah rockets have hit residential areas in Israel, causing further deaths and destruction. Strikes and drone attacks in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have targeted hotels, airports, ports, and energy infrastructure, prompting widespread fear and disruption of daily life.
Foreign nationals, including migrant workers from South Asia, have been among the victims, with many living or working near strategic infrastructure and therefore exposed to high risks from missiles, falling debris, and shrapnel. The ongoing escalation has left populations across multiple countries in fear and uncertainty.
Türk emphasized that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. He stressed that all parties are legally obliged to protect civilians and civilian objects, regardless of their adversaries’ actions. Urgent diplomatic efforts, he said, are necessary to prevent further loss of life and destruction.
Within Iran, the domestic situation is worsening, with reports of continued repression, waves of arrests, internet shutdowns, and threats to political prisoners. Executions linked to January 2026 protests have been reported, and civic space is increasingly restricted across the region, with arrests on charges of espionage, treason, or sharing content related to hostilities.
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, millions are observing the holiday amid fear, hardship, and instability. Türk extended his solidarity to all affected civilians, highlighting the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict and protect human lives.
