UN investigators drop a damning report on US airstrikes in Iran, citing evidence that could force a war crimes trial
The human cost of war.
A United Nations (UN) fact-finding mission recently released a damning 18-page report regarding the ongoing war in Iran. According to The Hill, the report cites reasonable grounds to believe that the United States military committed war crimes during two specific airstrikes. These findings add significant pressure to the ongoing international discourse surrounding the war. The independent experts were originally established in November 2022 by the Human Rights Council.
The first incident detailed in the report occurred on February 28. A Tomahawk missile struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, resulting in the deaths of nearly 160 people, including over 120 schoolchildren. The mission concluded that the school was the intended target of the strike. They noted that the United States is the only party to the conflict currently possessing Tomahawk missiles.
The report also highlights that a preliminary U.S. military inquiry reportedly found United States forces responsible for the strike. Furthermore, the United States CENTCOM Commander previously noted that the strike correlates with a United States operation. A second incident took place on the same day in the city of Lamerd, located in Fars Province. An airstrike hit a sports complex and residential area, killing more than 20 civilians.
The report states that the Fars attack involved a United States-made Precision Strike Missile
Investigators identified key visual features of the weapon in verified videos. These features include a long, sharp nose cone and a smooth fuselage. The experts also observed that the detonations occurred directly above the target. This behavior is consistent with an airburst mechanism, which the Precision Strike Missile utilizes. United States Central Command previously denied responsibility for the strike in Lamerd during March.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the report, stating the department’s own investigation remains ongoing. According to NPR, spokeswoman Anna Kelly from the White House issued a sharp response to the findings. She claimed the human rights body has accomplished nothing of value for decades.
Kelly also stated that the only party committing war crimes is the Iranian regime. She accused the Iranian government of murdering its own citizens and launching indiscriminate attacks against regional neighbors. The United States State Department did not respond to requests for comment regarding the specific allegations.
The report also provides a grim look at internal repression within Iran
The experts accused the Iranian government of carrying out crimes against humanity against its own citizens. This violent repression occurred during widespread anti-government protests throughout late 2025 and early 2026. Security forces reportedly utilized lethal force across all 31 provinces. The highest death tolls were recorded in major cities like Tehran, Karaj, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Rasht.
The report details how security forces fired upon protesters from rooftops. In the city of Karaj, authorities allegedly used tear gas to trap demonstrators in narrow alleys. Once trapped, the security forces opened fire on the crowds. These actions resulted in the deaths of at least 220 children.
The experts also documented attacks on healthcare facilities. Security forces reportedly beat and arrested wounded protesters seeking medical aid. They also arrested healthcare workers, which discouraged many victims from attempting to access life-saving care.
The mission expressed grave concerns regarding the judicial system in Iran as well. It stated that the government has allegedly used the death penalty against children. International human rights law strictly prohibits the execution of individuals under the age of 18.
The experts noted that Iran’s official figures of 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries are likely significant undercounts. They have strong grounds to believe the true scale of the violence is much higher. Furthermore, the report indicates that over 70 people remain at imminent risk of execution. This group includes five women and three boys.
The investigation was chaired by jurist Sara Hossain of Bangladesh
The team utilized a victim-centered approach to gather their evidence. They conducted interviews with 73 people both inside and outside of Iran. The experts also relied on satellite imagery, photographic material, and video evidence. They faced significant challenges during their work, including an internet shutdown and a lack of cooperation from both governments.
The experts submitted nearly three dozen requests for information to the Iranian government, all of which went unanswered. Similarly, requests sent to the United States government in June for meetings and information remained unaddressed.
The mission has called for both the United States and Iran to halt all rights violations. They also recommended that both parties provide full reparations to the victims. The report is not legally binding, but it provides a substantial body of evidence. This documentation could eventually be utilized in international courts to pursue justice.
The council is composed of 47 United Nations member countries. As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains focused on the accountability of all parties involved. The report serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. It highlights the urgent need for adherence to international laws regarding civilian protection.
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