Pezeshkian: US-Israeli attack on sports venues exposes hostility toward Iran dignity

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says targeting sports venues and public infrastructure by the United States and Israel during the unprovoked war of aggression exposes the aggressors’ hostility toward the Iranian nation’s dignity, joy, and pride.

Pezeshkian made the comment on Thursday as he visited Tehran's 12,000-seat Azadi sports complex, which was attacked by the US and Israel on March 5, resulting in its complete destruction.

He called on sports officials and managers of the Azadi complex to accelerate the reconstruction process, fully restore damaged infrastructure, and underlined the need for full protection of the country's sports places.

He expressed his deep regret over the strikes against Iran’s sports complexes and public infrastructure during the 40 days of the US-Israel war, which began on February 28.

Pezeshkian emphasized that attacks on sports complexes are not simply the destruction of a structure as these places are part of the historical memory, national identity, and a symbol of the Iranian youths’ effort, hope, and pride.

Pointing to the special position of the Azadi complex in the history of Iran’s sports, the president noted that targeting the venue clearly showed that the enemies of the Iranian nation are hostile not only towards the country's defense capabilities and scientific progress, but also every symbol of the nation's dignity and honor.

Iran slams US-Israeli attack on Tehran's 12,000-seat Azadi sports complex as war crime

Iranian sports officials have condemned the US-Israeli attack on Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex, calling it a violation of international law and a war crime.

In a letter to President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry late last month, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali, citing documented evidence, said the US-Israel attacks directly targeted the country’s sports infrastructure, which resulted in the complete destruction of the 12,000-seat hall at the Azadi Sports Complex and damage to 287 other sports facilities nationwide.

He added that the attacks also caused heavy human losses, including the deaths of 203 athletes (16 women and 187 men).

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