In a significant escalation, Iran has accused the United States of striking a civilian aircraft belonging to Mahan Air at Mashhad International Airport. According to Iranian sources and news agency ANI, the aircraft was scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1 as part of a humanitarian mission to transport essential medicines and medical equipment. The strike occurred while the plane was stationed at the airport for coordination.
The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran has strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a “war crime” and a clear violation of international law, including the Chicago and Montreal Conventions. They asserted that targeting a civilian aircraft engaged in humanitarian work is a breach of the Geneva Conventions. While India has been providing medical aid to Iran through the Red Crescent Society, the US has long sanctioned Mahan Air over alleged links to the IRGC.
There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Washington regarding this specific incident. (With inputs from ANI & TNIE)
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