UN Experts Say US Strikes on Iran May Constitute War Crimes

UN human rights experts have found “reasonable grounds” to believe the US committed war crimes in two February strikes in Iran, killing at least 177 civilians. A UN fact-finding mission reported that a US Tomahawk missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab on February 28, killing at least 156 people, including 120 children, despite the school being clearly identifiable and not used for military purposes. Investigators concluded the school was the intended target, citing survivor testimony and a preliminary US military inquiry indicating US responsibility. A separate strike in Lamerd, using US-made Precision Strike Missiles, dispersed tungsten pellets over a sports complex and residential area, killing at least 21 civilians. The mission found the US failed to adequately verify targeting information, resulting in indiscriminate attacks. The US military has not released the findings of its investigation into the Minab strike, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated the US would “never target civilian targets.”

The report also accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests, with killings occurring “on a staggering and unprecedented scale” across all 31 provinces. Iran has previously rejected allegations of systematic human rights violations. The UN mission warned that civilians in Iran are caught between human rights violations by their own government and the conflict with the US and Israel.

Oil prices fell Thursday following reports that a damaged Saudi oil pipeline would be repaired quickly, and President Trump asserted that Iran wants to reach a deal. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed Saudi-backed forces killed three children, while Saudi Arabia reported one death from intercepted Houthi drone shrapnel. Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref apologized to Iranians for economic hardship.

Where they differ

• RT emphasized the rhetoric of US officials, including President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, which investigators said indicated a “deprioritization of civilian harm mitigation.”
• CBS News highlighted falling oil prices and President Trump’s claim that Iran wants a deal, while other sources did not lead with this information.
• Sky News focused on the UN experts’ claim of a war crime in the school strike, framing it as the central finding.
• Axios presented the findings as a significant development with potential implications for the US administration.

What is not yet known

• The full findings of the US military’s investigation into the Minab strike have not been released.
• The extent to which the Iranian government will respond to the UN report remains unclear.

Background

• The US military conducted a strike in Kuhestak, Iran, likely using a glide bomb that hit a wedding party, killing at least five and wounding nearly 70, according to reports from September 7, 2026 [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-07].
• In late February, RT reported 3,000 civilian casualties in Iran following US action, a claim made prior to the current UN report [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-07].
• The US has begun deploying weapons in space, intended for defense against “hostile adversary action,” a move condemned by Russia and China [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-15].
• NATO fighter jets downed a drone in Lithuanian airspace that originated from Belarus, raising regional security concerns [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-15].

Our reading

Our reading is that the UN report corroborates existing concerns about civilian harm resulting from US military actions in Iran, building on previous incidents like the strike on the wedding party. The differing emphasis in media coverage, from the focus on potential war crimes to oil prices and Trump’s statements, suggests a complex narrative with multiple angles being prioritized. The report’s simultaneous accusation against Iran highlights a broader pattern of civilian harm within the region, positioning civilians as caught between multiple actors.

What to watch

• The release of the full US military investigation into the Minab strike, to determine if its findings align with the UN’s conclusions [stated in article].
• The extent of any response from the Iranian government to the UN report, which could indicate a shift in diplomatic or military strategy [stated in article].
• Any changes in US military targeting procedures, following the UN’s finding of inadequate verification and indiscriminate attacks [implied by report findings].

Was this useful? 👍 0 👎 0

---

Read the original coverage