“Any deliberate threats against civilians – in rhetoric and in action – are indefensible, inhumane and devastating for entire populations. We cannot normalize limitless war. We need to bring humanity back into the conversation on conflict. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on to survive need to be protected,” Spoljaric said in an exclusive interview with IRNA.
The interview was published on Sunday, the third day of the National Red Crescent Week in Iran. Less than two weeks ago, Spoljaric was on a trip to Iran to discuss humanitarian consequences of hostilities in Iran and the wider region. She also visited some of the residential and civilian areas damaged in US-Israeli attacks in the capital, Tehran. The US and Israel launched their latest war of aggression on Iran on February 28, following their 12-day conflict with the country in June last year.
The following is the full interview of IRNA with the ICRC president:
1. Your first visit to Iran takes place at a very critical time and after two rounds of US and Israel attacks on Iran. What were the main objectives of your visit?
I came to Iran to take stock of the humanitarian situation following six weeks of hostilities and to discuss practical arrangements for our teams to support the relief efforts of the Iranian authorities and the Iranian Red Crescent Society. We have already delivered more than 170 tons of essential items to help those affected by the conflict, and additional shipments of medical items and forensic supplies are due to be delivered in the coming days. I also discussed the importance of international humanitarian law and the centrality of protecting civilians during armed conflict.
2. On the first hours of this war, on 28 February 2026, the US and Israel targeted a primary school in Minab, Southern Iran. This attack led to the killing of over 120 school children. There were also attacks on other schools, historical sites, universities, and pharmaceutical facilities, including Pasteur Institute, which had been a key part of Iran’s health system over the past 100 years. Large number of civilians are dead in Iran. What is ICRC’s position?
The loss of civilian lives, especially children, is deeply tragic. The images of the children killed in a school are still haunting many parents, who are wondering whether their own children should go back to schools when they reopen. Every parent wants to live in a world where they can send their children to school safely. Schools and universities must remain sanctuaries for learning. All parties must respect and ensure respect for the protection granted to schools under international humanitarian law.
3. During this imposed war, the US President made threats about targeting essential infrastructure such as power grids and bridges in Iran or to send Iran “back to the Stone Age.” What is your take on such remarks?
The ICRC does not comment on political statements. But international humanitarian law sets limits on how wars are fought. I have already said that any deliberate threats against civilians – in rhetoric and in action – are indefensible, inhumane and devastating for entire populations. We cannot normalize limitless war. We need to bring humanity back into the conversation on conflict. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on to survive need to be protected.
4. Given the scale and nature of hostilities, it is clear that laws of war have been violated in attacks on Iran. What is the role of the ICRC on such occasions? What have you been able to do in regards to IHL violations during the 12-day war and the latest round of war on Iran?
The ICRC addresses alleged violations of international humanitarian law through confidential dialogue with parties to the conflict. Our role is to remind the parties of their obligations, influence behavior, and advocate for the protection of civilians and respect for the rules of war. We do not publicly deliberate whether a specific incident constitutes a war crime but that does not mean we don’t take potential violations seriously. Our experience on the front lines of conflict for many decades has shown us that bilateral dialogue is often more effective than public pressure in bringing about change in the behavior of parties to the conflict.
5. Looking at the situation today, what are the ICRC’s operational priorities in Iran, and how are you adapting your response to meet the evolving humanitarian needs?
We have heard directly from authorities in Iran and the IRCS on the humanitarian situation in the country. We are working on bringing in shipments of medical supplies and medical items to support the response of the IRCS. These supplies include prosthetics, mobility aids, and surgical. Our main priority is to reinforce the health response so that civilians affected by the hostilities can receive adequate care and so that health-care providers have access to the tools they need to support their communities.
6. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has been at the forefront of the response in the country. How would you describe and assess their response, and how the ICRC is supporting the IRCS?
The IRCS has shown remarkable commitment, working tirelessly to provide relief and medical assistance. They are at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Iran and their extensive network of teams working night and day is truly impressive. We stand in full support of their efforts and will continue to provide them with the assistance they need to carry out their life-saving work. Tragically, the IRCS has paid a heavy price during hostilities: they have lost team members and seen the impact on their premises, vehicles and equipment. We at the ICRC will continue to advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers and emergency responders so that partners like the IRCS can reach civilians safely.
7. Violations of IHL seems to become widespread: from Gaza, to Lebanon, to Iran, and many conflicts across the globe. Their respect for international law seems to be in decline? As the President of the ICRC and guardian of IHL, this is probably a major challenge for your organization?
The patterns and trends of warfare that we are observing across the world are deeply worrying. The visual evidence of permissive interpretations of the rules of war is all around us. Any war fought without limits is a losing one for all sides. States must honor their commitments to uphold the laws of war. The ICRC is working with global partners to renew political commitment to international humanitarian law.
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