Pouria Kolivand, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), addressed the IMO Council session to report the killing of Hamed Saber, a staff member in the Maritime Affairs Department of the Ports and Maritime Administration of Hormozgan Province. Saber was killed alongside his wife, seven-year-old son, elderly parents, sister, niece, and brother-in-law.

The airstrike struck a residential home in northern Iran during the early morning hours. The area was far from any military or nuclear sites. Iranian officials described the attack as a deliberate strike on civilians in their sleep.

Pattern of Civilian Targeting

Kolivand noted that the incident reflects a broader pattern of Israeli military aggression, drawing parallels to previous actions in Gaza. “This horrific act, like many others, shows a systematic disregard for moral, religious, and humanitarian principles,” he said.

He described Saber as a highly respected maritime officer who dedicated his career to supporting Iranian seafarers. His death, Kolivand added, has deeply affected the Iranian maritime community and the nation as a whole.

Demand for Accountability

Iran called on the international community to condemn the attack and take action to hold those responsible accountable under international law. “We denounce this atrocity in the strongest possible terms,” Kolivand said. “Justice must be served, and the safety of civilians must be protected.”

Civilian Toll in Ongoing Conflict

The killing of Saber and his family occurred amid a wider escalation of Israeli military actions. According to Iranian authorities, the 12-day war has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians—including numerous women and children—across residential areas in Iran.

The Maritime Safety Committee meets for its 110th session at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 18-27 June 2025.