UN Alleges Possible U.S. War Crimes in Iran
UN allegations of possible war crimes linked to U.S. strikes in Iran.
A United Nations-backed fact-finding mission has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that the United States committed war crimes in two military strikes in Iran in February, including an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab.
According to the mission, the strikes killed at least 178 civilians. More than 150 people were reportedly killed in the Minab school attack, including many children. A separate strike on a sports facility and surrounding residential area in Lamerd reportedly killed 22 civilians.
The investigators said the attacks may have amounted to indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which can constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. The findings are based on evidence including interviews and other documentation gathered by the mission.
The report also accused Iranian authorities of serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests. The U.S. and Iranian governments have previously rejected allegations of unlawful conduct, and the latest findings are expected to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council.
The allegations highlight growing international concerns over civilian protection and compliance with international law during the conflict. The UN fact-finding mission cannot itself bring criminal cases, but its findings could contribute to future accountability efforts.
