A United Nations fact-finding mission has reported that the United States likely committed "war crimes" in Iran during air strikes that resulted in the deaths of at least 178 civilians, including women and children. The findings were published on September 17, 2026, by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. The report also accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during protests in late 2025 and early 2026.
The mission highlighted a specific incident involving an air strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab on February 28, which killed over 150 individuals, approximately 120 of whom were children. The report stated that the US attack failed to meet obligations to verify that the target was a military objective, given the evident civilian nature of the school, which featured child-oriented murals and signage.
Additionally, the report referenced another air strike on a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd on the same day, where 22 civilians were killed. The US Central Command denied launching any strikes in Lamerd on that date.
The findings will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and include accusations against Iran for repressing demonstrators during the protests, including unlawful killings and torture. The Iranian government reported that 3,038 people were killed and 25,000 injured during the protests, but the UN mission suggested that the actual numbers may be higher.
The UN fact-finding mission called for an immediate end to hostilities between the US and Iran, reparations for victims, and a pursuit of permanent peace through diplomatic channels.