UN experts say there is reasonable grounds to believe U.S. forces committed war crimes in two strikes on Iranian schools and a sports facility in February. The mission also found Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests.
The UN mission concluded that U.S. forces struck a primary school in Minab, killing 150 people including 120 children, and a sports center in Lamerd, killing 22 civilians. Both attacks were deemed indiscriminate and constitute war crimes under international law.
The report, to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council, highlights U.S. negligence in targeting databases and failure to confirm the school was a military objective, leading to the attack. Iranian officials have rejected allegations of systematic rights violations, while U.S. officials have denied responsibility and stated investigations are ongoing.
The UN mission, an independent body, does not initiate criminal cases but its findings can be used in national or international tribunals. The report underscores the need for further investigation and potential legal action by national courts or international bodies.