Iranian sports community condemns U.S.-Israeli strikes on civilian facilities

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Iranian sports community condemns U.S.-Israeli strikes on civilian facilities

2026-04-04 03:08 Last Updated At：04-05 11:41

A representative of the Iranian sports community on Friday condemned the United States and Israel for attacking the country's civilian facilities, saying that such acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law.

The remarks were made at a press conference held amid the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex, where a 12,000-seat stadium, primarily used for volleyball matches, was destroyed in a U.S. -Israeli strike on March 5.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the dormitory and new building of Iran's Cycling Federation, as well as a main swimming pool and parts of the Rowing Federation located in the complex, were also destroyed in the attack.

"We emphasize that sports activities are purely civilian in nature, and sports venues are places for training, competition, and public gatherings. Under no circumstances should they be regarded as military targets. Attacks on such venues must cease immediately. Under international law, striking sports facilities constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. The protection of civilian areas is not an option but an international obligation. Respect for humanitarian principles should not be limited by geographical location," said Tajernia, a representative of the Iranian sporting community.

Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00 on Friday, according to a China Media Group (CMG) crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.

Citing Iranian sources, China Media Group (CMG) said the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple locations across Iran on Friday afternoon, including Shahid Beheshti University and Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00, according to the CMG crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.

An attack on south Iran's port of Chabahar killed one person, damaged four vessels, and destroyed several buildings. The strike marked the second assault on the port within 24 hours.

CMG attends 2026 Arab Media Summit in Dubai, strengthening China-Arab media ties

The 2026 Arab Media Summit concluded on Thursday in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with China Media Group (CMG) setting booth at the event to strengthen communication with Arab media.

The three-day event brought together 250 media organizations from 23 countries, drawing the participation of senior government officials, heads of media organizations, prominent figures and content creators.

Focusing on media transformation and the creative economy, the event featured more than 170 sessions on content production, global narratives and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism.

Through eight specialized forums, participants explored how Arab media could enhance their competitiveness by pooling ideas, experiences and practices, while promoting new cooperation opportunities.

CMG once again attended the summit as the only invited Chinese media organization and established an exclusive interview zone, where its journalists held discussions and exchanges with other participants.

Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the UAE Journalists Association, highlighted China's growing influence in Arab region and said the event offered Arab media a opportunity to learn more about China.

"Today, China's influence in the Arab region continues to grow. China Media Group's participation in the Arab Media Summit is, in effect, an engagement with Arab media. We need to communicate and to understand our audiences. Through such exchanges and interactions, the Arab world will in turn come to understand China," said Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the UAE Journalists Association.

Held annually, the Arab Media Summit is seen as the largest media gathering in the region. Over the years, the summit has evolved into a high-level strategic platform for political leaders, media personalities, thought leaders, heads of government, ministers, editors-in-chief, industry professionals, content creators, technology experts and academics from around the world to examine the transformations shaping media.