Iranian courts are preparing to issue retribution verdicts against individuals deemed responsible for the deaths of key Iranian figures and thousands of citizens, the Iranian Parliament’s Executive Board Chairman Manouchehr Mottaki announced on October 7. Mottaki made the remarks during his address to the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Mottaki referred to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader West Asian region, highlighting the resistance of Palestinians against what he described as Israeli oppression. He paid tribute to more than 76,000 Palestinians killed and over 130,000 wounded amid the conflict, asserting solidarity with those affected. He characterized the situation as part of broader regional turmoil influenced by a “new apartheid regime,” implicating both Israel and the United States in fomenting instability.
According to Mottaki, a war on Iran began on February 28, 2026, which he attributed to actions by the United States and Israel, labeling these as acts of aggression. He stated that Iran exercised its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and responded to the attacks despite sustaining heavy casualties.
During his address, Mottaki presented photographs of Iran’s late leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and the leader’s 14-month-old grandchild, alongside images showing widespread damage resulting from the attacks. He reported that the assaults resulted in the deaths of the late leader and thousands of Iranian citizens, with destruction damaging over 80,000 buildings, including hospitals, schools, universities, and facilities operated by the Iranian Red Crescent.
Mottaki specifically cited the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, which was struck by U.S. Tomahawk missiles on the first day of the attacks, resulting in the deaths of 168 students, teachers, and staff. He also mentioned attacks in Lamerd and Kuhestak, both in Hormozgan Province, reporting more than 120 and 70 casualties, respectively.
The Iranian official criticized the foreign policy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing his administration of pursuing war, military intervention, and threatening other countries. Mottaki further alleged that Trump’s decisions were influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing concerns connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Calling on the American people to denounce what he described as violations of international law, Mottaki stressed that Iranians demand accountability. He confirmed that Iranian judicial authorities are investigating cases linked to the deaths of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, Iranian scientists and military commanders, thousands of civilians, and the nation’s late political and religious leader.
“Retribution verdicts against these criminals will be issued soon,” Mottaki stated, adding that the process will be guided by Iran’s current leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.