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.

Heavy rain hits multiple regions in China, search and rescue underway

Continuous heavy rain in provinces including Guizhou and Hubei in the southwestern and central parts of the country has caused flooding and geological risks, prompting authorities to rapidly launch search and rescue operations to protect the lives and property of the flood-hit population.

In Changming Township, Guiding County of Guizhou, heavy rain led to water inundating the first floor of a house on Tuesday, and two elderly residents, who have limited mobility, were trapped on the second floor.

Search and rescue personnel waded into the house to put life jackets on the two seniors, and set up a ladder to successfully evacuate them to safety in around 15 minutes.

In Baishui River Village, Xuanen County, the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hubei Province, heavy rain caused the water level on the Bailushui River to surge on Tuesday, severely affecting surrounding areas. Road access along the river was disrupted.

Local authorities assembled search and rescue forces. The rescuers reached the site on foot after a three-hour trek to evacuate the trapped residents.

"Just within a few hours (after the disaster), the main search and rescue force arrived, and we finally felt relieved and saw hope," said Zhang Yuanzhong, a local villager.

As of the present, all trapped residents in Baishui River Village have been successfully evacuated and resettled. Ongoing emergency work includes searching for and locating missing people, clearing roads, and repairing damaged power supply systems.