UN Fact-Finding Mission Accuses US of War Crimes in Iran and Charges Tehran with Crimes Against Humanity

A recent United Nations fact-finding mission has concluded that the United States likely committed “war crimes” in Iran following two air strikes that resulted in the deaths of at least 178 civilians, including women and children. Released on Thursday, the report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran also leveled accusations against Iran, citing human rights violations and crimes against humanity during protests held last year and in early 2026.

The mission specifically highlighted the US attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab on February 28, which coincided with the launch of the war against Iran by the US and Israel. The strike resulted in over 150 fatalities, including approximately 120 children. Additionally, the report detailed a US air strike on a “clearly identifiable” sports complex and residential area in Lamerd on the same day. Precision strike missiles deployed during this attack dispersed clouds of tungsten pellets, causing the deaths of 22 civilian men and women.

These findings are slated for submission to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. They encompass an examination of the US military conduct during the Iran war alongside the Iranian government's handling of nationwide unrest that commenced in late December.

US Air Strikes Against Civilians

Tomahawk missiles were used in the assault on the school in Minab. The report stated, “The Mission concluded that when identifying and directing its attack against the primary school in Minab, whose civilian nature is apparent, the US failed in its obligation to do everything feasible to verify that it was a military objective.”

According to the report's authors, photographs and videos taken before and after the strike revealed “readily identifiable features” designating the location as an educational facility for young children. These included child-oriented murals on exterior walls, signage, and playgrounds. Furthermore, public reporting and satellite imagery prior to the strike reportedly showed human figures identifiable as children gathered in the courtyard.

Post-strike footage shared by state-affiliated media depicted severe destruction at the scene, showing parents holding the body parts of their children alongside bloodied backpacks and schoolbooks. The report noted, “Several families lost more than one child, reflecting the devastating impact of the attack on families and the wider community.”

In June, US President Donald Trump stated that “nobody” purposefully targeted a girls’ school in Iran in February, referencing an ongoing investigation for which the Pentagon has yet to release any findings. Regarding the Lamerd incident, the mission determined that the targeted sports center was “visibly separate” from a neighboring compound operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Conversely, the US Central Command issued a statement in March asserting that US forces did not execute any strikes in the city of Lamerd on that date.

Iran Protests

In addition to the findings on US military actions, the UN mission accused Iran of suppressing demonstrators during the 2025-2026 protests through internet shutdowns, unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and strict limitations on freedom of expression. The report also indicated that total casualties inflicted by state forces significantly exceed the official government toll of 3,038 dead and 25,000 injured, though exact figures could not be independently verified.

Tehran maintains that the majority of fatalities were caused by “rioters” backed by exiled opposition groups, the US, and Israel. In conclusion, the UN fact-finding mission called upon both Iran and the US to immediately halt hostilities, offer reparations to victims, and pursue lasting peace through diplomatic channels.