US war crimes allegations over Iran strikes
United Nations‑commissioned human rights experts have identified “reasonable grounds” to suspect that the United States committed war crimes during two airstrikes in Iran, which reportedly killed at least 178 civilians, including women and children. The findings focus on attacks on a girls’ school…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 17, 2026, a United Nations‑backed fact‑finding team released a report that raises serious allegations of war crimes against the United States. The investigation, which examined two separate airstrikes in Iran, concludes that the U.S. may have violated international humanitarian law by striking civilian targets, resulting in the deaths of at least 178 people, many of them children.
What Happened
The report centers on two incidents that took place during the ongoing conflict that began in February 2026. The first strike targeted a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab, while the second hit a naval base adjacent to the same school. Video evidence, verified by the New York Times, shows a Tomahawk cruise missile detonating near the school’s perimeter, causing widespread destruction.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, the attacks were “indiscriminate” and “deliberately targeted civilians.” The report cites the death toll reported by Iranian state media, which lists 168 casualties, most of them children, and corroborates it with independent eyewitness accounts.
Background of the Conflict
The war between the United States and Iran erupted in early 2026 after a series of escalating diplomatic tensions and retaliatory strikes. The U.S. has conducted a series of missile attacks across Iranian territory, citing threats to American personnel and interests. Iran, in turn, has responded with artillery and drone strikes, leading to a high‑intensity conflict that has drawn international scrutiny.
Minab, a coastal city in the Hormozgan province, has become a focal point due to its strategic location and the presence of a naval base. The city’s proximity to shipping lanes makes it a target for both sides, but the presence of civilian infrastructure, such as the girls’ school, complicates military operations.
Findings of the UN Mission
- Evidence suggests the U.S. used a Tomahawk cruise missile in a manner that violated the principle of distinction, which requires parties to a conflict to differentiate between combatants and civilians.
- At least 178 civilians were killed, including women and children, in the two strikes.
- The mission also documented widespread killings by Iranian security forces, describing them as occurring on a “staggering scale.”
- Video footage from Iran’s semi‑official Mehr News Agency, authenticated by the New York Times, shows the missile impact near the school, confirming the target’s civilian nature.
- The report calls for independent investigations into both the U.S. strikes and the actions of Iranian security forces to determine accountability.
What Happens Next
The United Nations Human Rights Office has urged the U.S. government to cooperate fully with the investigation and to provide access to all relevant data, including flight paths and targeting decisions. Meanwhile, Iran has called for international mediation to end the violence and protect civilians.
The International Criminal Court may consider the allegations once the evidence is formally submitted. In the meantime, human rights organizations are monitoring the situation closely, demanding that both sides adhere to international humanitarian law.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further civilian casualties and the broader implications for regional stability.
Key facts
- UN experts suspect U.S. war crimes in two Iranian airstrikes
- At least 178 civilians, many children, killed in Minab
- Video evidence confirms missile strike near a girls’ school
- Iranian security forces also committed widespread killings
- International investigations urged for accountability
Why it matters
The allegations bring attention to the potential violation of international humanitarian law by a major power, raising questions about accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the video evidence?
The footage was released by Iran’s semi‑official Mehr News Agency and verified by the New York Times.
Has the U.S. responded to the allegations?
The U.S. has not yet issued a formal statement, but it has been urged to cooperate with the UN investigation.
What are the next steps for the UN?
The UN Human Rights Office will submit the findings to the International Criminal Court and seek further international cooperation.
How many civilians were killed in the Minab strike?
Iranian state media reported 168 deaths, most of them children, while the UN report cites at least 178 casualties across both strikes.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “US-Iran war: UN-backed experts cite possible US war crimes in Iran strikes”
