TEHRAN- Iran’s vice president and head of the Organization for Optimization and Strategic Management of Energy, referring to the attack on public infrastructure, emphasized: Even if military use is claimed, under international law such attacks are only permitted under very limited circumstances, and the principles of "proportionality" and "precaution" must be observed—principles that have been ignored in many of these attacks.

According to IRNA, Esmaeil Saghab Esfahani said on Monday in a television program, referring to the attack on certain critical infrastructure, especially in the country's energy sector: Sometimes targeting public facilities is justified on the grounds that they have been used for military purposes, but under Article 51 of the First Additional Protocol to international humanitarian law, such actions can only be considered under specific conditions.

He explained: Under these provisions, for an attack on a target to be considered legitimate, two essential conditions must be met: first, the facility must be making an "effective contribution to military action," and second, its destruction must provide a "definite military advantage."

Saghab Esfahani stated: Even if these two conditions are met, the attack must still adhere to the two important principles of "proportionality" and "precaution." Under the principle of proportionality, it must be assessed that the harm caused to civilians and the public use of the facility does not outweigh the claimed military advantage.

The Vice President gave an example, saying: If a facility such as a steel plant is mostly used for civilian purposes, including automobile manufacturing, construction, or household appliances, the entire complex cannot be targeted on the pretext of very limited military use, because in that case the principle of proportionality would not be observed.

He also commented on pursuing this matter in international forums, noting: Although legal complaints and documentation should be pursued through legal and international channels to inform world public opinion of the facts, experience shows that these bodies play a more theatrical role, and there is no guarantee that rights can be secured through them.

Saghab Esfahani emphasized: Legal pursuit to prove the occurrence of a war crime is important, but the reality is that ultimately countries must defend their rights on the ground.

Attack on infrastructure triggers tsunami of inflation in the world

The Vice Chairman of the Macroeconomic Committee of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture said: An attack on infrastructure leads to a tsunami of inflation not only for our country but for the world, although over the 47 years of the Islamic Revolution we have become accustomed to sanctions and threats and have adapted our economy.

Musa Ahmadzadeh, in an interview with IRNA, condemning the American-Zionist attack on the country's infrastructure and major industries and recent threats by Trump to commit war crimes against the Iranian nation, stated: Iran has adapted itself to economic shocks imposed by the West throughout all these years, but if the pattern of attacks continues and with the trump card of the Strait of Hormuz, these shocks will lead to economic instability and insecurity on a global scale, and its smoke will reach the eyes of countries not involved in the war.

He continued: We will get through this difficult situation, but hostile countries should know that any act of aggression against our country's infrastructure will not go unanswered by security and military bodies.

The Vice Chairman of the Macroeconomic Committee of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, referring to the economic dimensions of these attacks, warned: Attacking infrastructure is an assault on countries' economies and far from professional ethics, even at the height of hostility in war. Moreover, one percent negative impact on Iran's infrastructure will send its smoke into the eyes of the entire world.

He stated: Iran's economy is tied to the global economy. If our petrochemical industry is attacked, fertilizer prices in Australia, Brazil, and other parts of the world will rise by 40 to 80 percent. These price increases will fuel global inflation and affect the end consumer.

Economic security of all countries depends on Iran's economic stability

Ahmadzadeh stated that the economic security of all countries depends on Iran's economic stability and said: Our products—oil, gas, and petrochemicals—play a vital role in the world's green and modern economy and are dependent on the entire world. An attack on Iran's infrastructure endangers the economic security of all countries.

The Vice Chairman of the Macroeconomic Committee of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, stating that these attacks affect the lives of innocent people, children, and the elderly, said: Attacks on infrastructure destroy hope for the future and are an unethical act contrary to the norms of warfare throughout human history.

He clarified: In war, one must fight military forces, not attack water, electricity, bread, a country's infrastructure, and people's livelihoods.

Ahmadzadeh referred to Iran's 7,000-year civilization and said: Whoever wants to take Iran back to the Stone Age does not know Iran. Iranian civilization, with its millennia-long history, cannot be turned back. No matter how much of the infrastructure is destroyed, we will rebuild it again; this demonstrates Iranian civilization and resilience.

He said: The Iranian nation has proven many times that it is present on the scene and, through resistance and effort, will be able to rebuild and renew its infrastructure.

The Vice Chairman of the Macroeconomic Committee of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture further stated: The Iranian nation is a hardworking nation that can overcome difficult conditions and rebuild the country once again.

MA