Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that targeting civilian objects in Iran and Lebanon, and launching missile and drone attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) and principles of state sovereignty, warning of the repercussions of this escalation on the lives of millions in the region.

The organization expressed its deep concern regarding reports of several civilian objects in Iran and Lebanon being shelled, including a civilian school in Tehran and other service facilities. It noted that such attacks endanger civilian lives and undermine protections provided under IHL.

SAM emphasized that attacks on non-military infrastructure represent a serious violation of the fundamental rules governing military operations, particularly the obligation to distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects. This principle is a cornerstone of civilian protection during armed conflicts.

The organization noted that preliminary information indicates attacks have hit educational and service facilities, which enjoy special protection under IHL. Any attack targeting such objects or exposing them to direct danger may constitute a breach of the principle of distinction as stipulated in Article (48) of Additional Protocol I (1977). This article requires parties to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives. Furthermore, Article (51) of the same protocol prohibits attacks against civilians or indiscriminate attacks. Article (52) protects civilian objects unless they have been converted into legitimate military targets.

In a related context, SAM condemned missile attacks targeting the territories of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. It asserted that targeting these territories or their civilian facilities violates the principle of respecting state sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force.

Official reports recorded a total of 3,162 drone and missile attacks targeting the Gulf states and Jordan between February 28 and March 10, 2026. The United Arab Emirates dealt with 262 ballistic missiles and 1,475 drones, while Kuwait faced 235 missiles and 419 drones. Attacks also included Qatar with 151 missiles and 79 drones, Bahrain with 105 missiles and 167 drones, Saudi Arabia intercepting 139 diverse targets, Jordan dealing with 119 aerial threats, and Oman shooting down 3 drones. These developments raise severe human rights concerns about threats expanding to vital infrastructure and civilian safety.

The organization also highlighted a statement by the spokesperson for the Iranian General Staff, Abolfazl Shekarchi, who warned that if Iranian ports are threatened, no port or pier will be safe in the Gulf. He added that all economic zones would become "legitimate targets". Shekarchi confirmed that the IRGC is present in the field and has control over the Gulf. SAM described this as escalatory rhetoric that contradicts IHL rules requiring the distinction between military and civilian targets and prohibits illegal threats to civilian facilities.

SAM emphasized that the use of missiles or drones in attacks hitting vital infrastructure raises serious concerns regarding indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks. Such actions contradict the principles of proportionality and precautions during military operations. These principles require parties to take all measures to avoid or minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian objects. Furthermore, targeting the territory of other states constitutes a clear breach of Article (2/4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

SAM warned that expanding military operations to civilian facilities increases regional tension and endangers millions of civilians already suffering from extended conflicts. The organization called on all parties to strictly adhere to IHL, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects. It urged the adoption of measures to ensure respect for the rules of distinction, proportionality, and precautions during operations. Finally, SAM called for independent and impartial investigations into attacks on civilian objects to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.