UN Experts Find Grounds for War Crimes Charges Against US for Iran Strikes
Investigators cite civilian deaths, including schoolchildren, in February 28 attacks, and condemn Iran's human rights record.
United Nations investigators have found "reasonable grounds" to believe the United States committed war crimes with air strikes in Iran that resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of approximately 120 schoolchildren. The findings are detailed in a report set to be presented to the Human Rights Council on Monday.
Independent investigators stated that Tomahawk missile strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab on February 28 killed over 150 people, comprising about 120 girls and boys. Another airstrike in Lamerd, which dispersed tungsten pellets over a sports complex and residential area, killed 22 civilians.
"Following the United States and Israeli attacks on February 28, the mission found reasonable grounds to believe the United States committed the war crime of launching indiscriminate attacks resulting in the loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects," the investigators said.
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The report also addressed the human rights situation within Iran, noting that the government's repression of domestic protests that began in late 2025 over the rising cost of living represents a "significant escalation" of its efforts to suppress dissent. The investigators cited the government's increased use of "repressive laws," "lethal force," and the death penalty as tools of control.
According to the report, state security forces killed protesters across all 31 provinces, with at least 221 children reportedly among the victims. Healthcare facilities were also attacked, and tens of thousands of people were arrested. Between March and August 2026, at least 29 men were executed after expedited trials linked to the protests, and more than 70 others, including five women and three boys, remain at "imminent risk of execution."
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The UN investigators urged Israel, the US, and Iran to "immediately cease hostilities." They also called on the member states of the UN Human Rights Council to take prompt diplomatic action to establish a permanent peace and ensure that alleged violations of international law by all parties are independently investigated and those responsible are held accountable.
Neither Iran, Israel, nor the United States are currently members of the Human Rights Council.