ISLAMABAD: As International Women’s Day was marked on Sunday, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam paid tribute to the “bravery and sacrifice” of Iranian women during the US-Israeli airstrikes.
“On March 8 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to the honourable status, courage and sacrifice of the brave and selfless Iranian women who were martyred during the unjust and brutal aggression carried out by the US and Israeli regime,” said the envoy in a message, highlighting the timing of the attacks.
He recounted that pre-arranged negotiations were under way, but the US and Israeli forces carried out an unprovoked assault on February 28, bombing a girls’ school in Minab in the early hours of the school day, killing more than 170 schoolgirls.
Moghadam said at a time when pre-arranged negotiations were being pursued with goodwill and seriousness by the Iranian side, an unprovoked act of aggression took place on February 28.
“Despite Iran’s firm determination and sincere efforts toward diplomacy, an agreement had already been within reach. Unfortunately, through the instigation and conspiracy of the Zionist regime, the US president plunged the region into a devastating war,” he said.
The envoy condemned the wider devastation, saying the airstrikes led to the martyrdom of more than 1,000 innocent civilians, including women and girls, and reduced hundreds of protected civilian installations, including hospitals, schools, residential compounds, Red Crescent centres and public service facilities, to ruins.
Reflecting on the role of Iranian women in national struggles, Moghadam noted their resilience and perseverance in raising generations of defenders for the homeland.
“Throughout the turbulent history of Iran, brave Iranian women have stood patiently and steadfastly alongside men in the nation’s struggles, striving for the pride, dignity and independence of their beloved country. With remarkable resilience and perseverance, they have raised generations who today stand as courageous defenders of their homeland,” he said.
The envoy said the Iranian nation would continue to resist oppression and injustice, and would remain steadfast in safeguarding its dignity, sovereignty and independence.
