US likely committed war crimes in Iran strikes that killed over 150: UN

UN human rights experts have found “reasonable grounds” to believe that the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran that killed over 150 civilians, including around 120 children. The findings were published by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran in a report to the UN Human Rights Council.The mission examined two of the deadliest attacks on civilians after the US and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28. It concluded that a missile strike on a primary school in Minab and another attack on a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd amounted to indiscriminate attacks that caused civilian deaths and damaged civilian objects.The findings come as the UN faces wider concerns over violations of international law in conflicts involving powerful states. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the growing geopolitical divide and paralysis at the Security Council have created an environment of impunity, with powerful countries flouting international law and the UN Charter.School strike killed 120 childrenOn February 28, Tomahawk missiles struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, killing at least 156 people, including about 120 children, according to local authorities. The fact-finding mission said the school was clearly identifiable and found no information indicating that it was being used for military purposes.The school was next to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval complex that was also attacked that day. However, the experts concluded that the school was the intended point of impact and that the damage was not the result of an errant missile or collateral damage. Survivors told investigators that the school was struck twice.The experts cited media reports that a preliminary US military inquiry had found US forces responsible, along with the fact that the US was the only party in the conflict known to possess Tomahawk missiles. On that basis, they said there were "reasonable grounds to believe" the US carried out the strike.The US military has not released the findings of its investigation. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said it would "never target civilian targets".In Lamerd, Precision Strike Missiles dispersed clouds of tungsten pellets over a sports complex and nearby residential area, killing at least 21 civilians, including seven children, according to local authorities. The mission again found the site clearly identifiable and no indication that it was being used for military purposes.The experts cited the US possession of PrSM missiles as part of the evidence linking the attack to Washington. The US military, however, has denied carrying out strikes on Lamerd that day and disputed reports identifying the weapon as a PrSM.Iran crackdown also amounted to crimes against humanityThe report also documented widespread violations during Iran's crackdown on mass protests in December 2025 and January 2026. The mission said killings by security forces occurred on "a staggering and unprecedented scale" across all 31 provinces.At least 221 children, some as young as two, were reportedly killed. Security forces also attacked healthcare facilities, beating and arresting wounded protesters and detaining healthcare workers, which the experts said discouraged victims from seeking life-saving treatment.Tens of thousands of people were arbitrarily detained and faced "torture, solitary confinement and denial of legal advice". At least 29 men were executed following expedited trials linked to the protests, while more than 70 people, including five women and three boys, remained at imminent risk of execution.The mission said "many of these grave violations amount to crimes against humanity – including murder, imprisonment, torture and other inhumane acts committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians."The experts called on Iran and the US to immediately cease violations and crimes, compensate victims and ensure such acts are not repeated. They also urged independent investigations into alleged violations by all parties and accountability for those responsible.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.