The Impact of escalating hostilities on children in Iran : Statement by UNICEF Representative a.i. Monika Oledzka Nielsen

Tehran, 20 June 2025

The continued escalation of hostilities in Iran poses a grave threat to the lives and well-being of millions of children.

Over the past six days, airstrikes have hit at least 18 provinces in Iran. The strikes have reportedly killed at least 73 women and children. A single strike on a residential building in the capital on 13 June reportedly killed 20 children.

Families are reporting trauma and fear among their children because of the ongoing violence. The psychological toll is growing, compounding the physical danger and long-term harm inflicted by the conflict.

Any further escalation of the conflict will have devastating consequences for children in Iran, further worsening the already dire conditions faced by vulnerable communities.

UNICEF urgently calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect humanitarian workers, children and the critical civilian infrastructure they rely on – such as schools and hospitals – to ensure their safety, protection, and well-being.