UN experts accuse US of war crimes

Independent investigators say there are reasonable grounds to believe the US committed war crimes in two February strikes on Iranian civilian targets that killed at least 177 people.

“Civilians in Iran are caught between gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed by their own government”

School strike killed 156 people

On February 28, Tomahawk missiles hit Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, killing at least 156 people including 120 children. Experts say the school was clearly identifiable and not used for military purposes.

School was struck twice, experts say

Survivors reported the school was hit twice, and investigators concluded the school was the intended target, not collateral damage from a nearby military complex.

Sports complex strike killed 21

On the same day, Precision Strike Missiles dispersed tungsten pellets over a sports complex in Lamerd, killing at least 21 civilians including seven children. The complex was clearly identifiable as civilian infrastructure.

US denies or disputes both strikes

The US previously denied striking Lamerd and said it was investigating Minab. A State Department official rejected the UN report's findings, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military would never target civilians.

Iran also committed crimes against humanity

The same UN report found Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during a January crackdown on anti-government protests, with killings occurring on an unprecedented scale across all 31 provinces.

Security forces fired from rooftops

During the protests, security personnel positioned themselves on elevated positions and fired assault rifles into crowds. Protesters suffered severe wounds to the head, chest and eyes from metal shotgun pellets, causing permanent blindness.

Thousands detained and tortured

Tens of thousands arrested during the protests faced torture, solitary confinement and denial of legal counsel. Security forces also attacked hospitals, beating wounded demonstrators and arresting healthcare workers.

Death toll far higher than official count

Iran claims 3,000 deaths from the crackdown, but the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed over 7,000 killings, almost all protesters. UN experts said the true toll is likely significantly higher.

At least 29 protesters executed

The government has intensified use of the death penalty against protesters, with at least 29 men executed following expedited trials on charges connected to the unrest.