A UN-commissioned independent fact-finding mission has determined that two military strikes conducted by the United States in February targeting locations in Iran constitute potential war crimes due to their indiscriminate nature and resulting civilian casualties. The investigation examined strikes on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd, both of which resulted in significant loss of civilian life.
According to the experts’ findings, the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab killed at least 156 individuals, including 120 children. Though the school was located adjacent to a naval installation operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that was also targeted that day, the fact-finding mission determined the school was clearly identifiable as a civilian structure with no indication of military use. Evidence reviewed by the experts, including media reports of a preliminary US military inquiry and the exclusive possession of Tomahawk missiles by the US among conflict parties, led them to conclude the school was the intended target rather than collateral damage. The US Defense Secretary has stated that American forces do not intentionally target civilian locations, and the military investigation into the incident remains unreleased.
The second strike on a sports complex and surrounding residential area in Lamerd killed at least 21 civilians, including seven children. The fact-finding mission similarly determined the sports complex was plainly civilian in nature with no military purpose. Based on the exclusive US possession of Precision Strike Missiles dispersing tungsten pellets, experts concluded reasonable grounds exist that the US conducted this attack as well. The US military has disputed these conclusions, stating no strikes were conducted on Lamerd and challenging the weapon identification.
The report also addressed alleged crimes against humanity committed by Iranian authorities during anti-government protests spanning December 2025 and January 2026. The experts documented security forces using lethal force from elevated positions, causing mass casualties and severe injuries, along with widespread arrests and detention involving torture and solitary confinement. At least 29 individuals have been executed following expedited trials related to protest involvement. While precise casualty figures remain unverifiable, credible sources indicate significantly higher death tolls than government claims. Iranian authorities have attributed the unrest to foreign instigation and characterized those killed as terrorists or rioters.
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