Recent findings from the United Nations Independent International Fact‑Finding Mission on Iran have reignited debate over the conduct of the United States in the February 2026 missile strikes on Iranian soil. The mission’s three independent experts concluded that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe the United States committed war crimes in two separate attacks that together killed at least 177 civilians, including a large number of children.
What the UN experts found
The mission examined two of the deadliest incidents of the conflict. On 28 February, Tomahawk missiles struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, killing at least 156 people, of whom 120 were children, according to local authorities. The experts noted that the school was adjacent to an IRGC naval complex but was clearly identifiable and that no evidence suggested it was being used for military purposes. Survivors reported that the school was hit twice, leading the mission to conclude that the school was "the intended point of impact" rather than collateral damage.
Later the same day, Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) dispersed clouds of tungsten pellets over a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd, killing at least 21 civilians, including seven children. Again, the experts found the target was clearly identifiable and not a military installation. Because the United States is the only party in the conflict known to possess both Tomahawk and PrSM missiles, the mission said there were reasonable grounds to attribute the attacks to U.S. forces.
U.S. response and ongoing investigations
The United States has not yet released the findings of its own investigation into the Minab strike, though Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly asserted that the U.S. "would never target civilian targets." The U.S. military has denied striking Lamerd on that date and disputes reports that a PrSM was used, creating a factual gap that the UN mission highlighted but could not resolve independently.
Broader context: Iranian security‑force abuses
In addition to the two missile attacks, the mission documented a separate wave of violence by Iranian authorities during mass anti‑government protests in December 2025 and January 2026. Witnesses, health‑care workers, and families of victims described security forces firing from rooftops, using shotgun pellets that caused severe injuries, and targeting hospitals and detained protesters with torture, solitary confinement, and denial of legal counsel. The experts said these actions constitute crimes against humanity, including murder, imprisonment, and other inhumane acts.
Uncertainty and next steps
Evidence gaps: While the mission relied on media reports, survivor testimony, and the unique possession of specific missile types by the United States, it could not independently verify every detail of the attacks. The U.S. military’s pending investigation into the Minab strike and its denial of the Lamerd strike leave open questions about the precise chain of command and rules of engagement.
Legal implications: If the UN’s assessment is upheld, the United States could face scrutiny under international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks that fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians. The United Nations Human Rights Council may consider further action, though political dynamics often influence the enforcement of such findings.
International reaction: The report has already prompted calls from human‑rights organisations for transparent investigations and accountability. However, both the United States and Iran have refrained from commenting on the UN findings, suggesting that diplomatic negotiations may precede any formal legal proceedings.
What readers should watch
- U.S. investigation outcomes: The release of the U.S. military’s own inquiry will be crucial to confirming or refuting the UN experts’ conclusions.
- UN Council deliberations: Any subsequent resolutions or referrals to international courts could shape the legal narrative surrounding the strikes.
- Human‑rights monitoring: Continued documentation of Iranian security‑force actions during the protest crackdown will inform broader assessments of accountability on both sides of the conflict.
In sum, the UN fact‑finding mission’s report provides a detailed, evidence‑based account that suggests the United States may have breached the laws of war in its February missile strikes on Iran. While definitive legal judgments await further investigations and possible UN deliberations, the findings underscore the urgent need for transparent accountability mechanisms in modern conflicts.
