In a letter to the IMO Secretary General, Iran’s permanent representative, Ali Musavi, described the June 23 missile strike as “co-disordered terrorist acts.” The attack struck homes in Astane Ashrafier, a peaceful northern Iranian town far from military and nuclear locations.
Twelve civilians, including Hamed Saber, were murdered. This is a senior officer and former sailor who worked in the seafarer’s department of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) in Iran. He was widely respected in Iran’s maritime sector for his dedication to the welfare and education of his seafarers.
Saber was killed along with his son, wife, elderly parents, sisters, nie, brother-in-law and other relatives. “This was not a collateral damage, it was a deliberate assassination of the entire civilian family,” Musabi wrote.
He labelled the incident as a “calculated terrorist act” in line with a broader policy of targeting Israeli civilians, and linked it to ongoing actions in Gaza.
Violation of international and maritime norms
Musavi condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law and humanitarian principles. He expressed deep concern that such attacks were happening with the assistance of certain states, creating an environment that exonerated and puts the lives of seafarers and their families, even far from the conflict zone.
IMO asked to act
Finally, the ambassador urged the IMO to formally condemn the killing of an Iranian maritime officer. He honored Hamed Saber and his family and expressed his hopes for accountability and justice to those in charge.
MNA/