TEHRAN – The martyrdom of Majid Zakariyaei, commander of the protection unit of Iran’s Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, has added to growing evidence that U.S.-Israeli airstrikes have extremely extended beyond military targets.

Zakariyaei was wounded in an airstrike on March 28 and died a day later in hospital after succumbing to his injuries. His death follows a series of attacks affecting a wide range of sectors, from cultural heritage sites and residential areas to hospitals, schools, and civilian populations. 

The strike that led to his death targeted the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, a government body tasked with protecting forests, water resources, and ecosystems. 

At least eight people were killed in the attack, according to official figures. Among the victims were Zakariyaei, Seyyed Saeed Mousavinejad Naeini, Davoud Omrani, Morteza Maqsoudi, Ali Montazeri, and Asghar Meshkani.

A number of officials condemned the strike, describing it as an attack on a non-military organization. Kamran Pourmoghadam, deputy head of forestry affairs at the organization, said the airstrike occurred around midday as personnel, many from the protection unit, were on alert during the Nowruz holidays to prevent potential environmental damage, including fires and destruction of natural resources.

Pourmoghadam described the incident as part of a broader pattern aimed at spreading fear, arguing that targeting an environmental and scientific body underscored the widening scope of the conflict.

In a message of condolence, Reza Aflatouni, head of the organization, described Zakariyaei and his colleagues as defenders of the country’s ecological security, saying their deaths reflected commitment and sacrifice. He added that their legacy would endure as a symbol of resilience.

According to relevant authorities, the case would be raised with international bodies, with efforts underway to seek accountability and compensation.

Funeral ceremonies for Zakariyaei were held in his hometown of Qaemshahr in Mazandaran province, where large crowds gathered. During the procession, his daughter, wearing her father’s uniform and holding his photograph, called for a response to those she described as aggressors and pledged to continue the path of her father and others martyred.

Officials and observers say the attack on an environmental institution highlights what they describe as a broader trend in which no sector has been secure from cultural heritage and civilian infrastructure to organizations central to long-term development.

Despite repeated assertions by the United States and Israel that their operations are precise and aimed at minimizing civilian harm, Iranian authorities say the growing number of strikes on civilian and non-military entities contradicts those claims.
AM