UN-backed experts cite possible US war crimes in Iran airstrikes

A UN fact-finding mission cited two attacks, including a school strike in Minab that killed more than 150 people, while the Pentagon says its investigation continues.

A UN-backed fact-finding mission said it found reasonable grounds to believe US forces committed war crimes during the conflict with Iran, citing two airstrikes that caused civilian deaths.

The 18-page report examined a Tomahawk cruise-missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab in late February that killed more than 150 people. It also examined a separate strike that scattered tungsten pellets over a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd, killing 22 people.

The mission said the attacks may constitute indiscriminate strikes causing civilian deaths, injuries or damage to civilian objects. It also accused the Iranian government of gross human-rights violations and crimes against humanity during crackdowns on protesters.

The report is not binding, but could add to evidence used in future international accountability proceedings. The Pentagon said its investigation into the incident remains ongoing, while the White House rejected the findings and accused Iran of committing the conflict’s war crimes.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

A UN-backed fact-finding mission said it found reasonable grounds to believe US forces committed war crimes during the conflict with Iran, citing two airstrikes that caused civilian deaths.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.