UN independent human rights experts have concluded there are grounds to believe that United States forces may have committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran in February that hit clearly civilian sites, the experts said.
The strikes, which the experts described as deadly, struck a primary school in the southern city of Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd. Both locations are civilian infrastructure, and the assessment by the UN experts says the circumstances give rise to credible allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The experts urged that the incidents be subject to prompt, independent and impartial investigations to establish responsibility and ensure accountability. They said such inquiries are necessary to determine the facts, identify any criminal liability and provide redress to victims, in keeping with international legal obligations.
The United States has not acknowledged carrying out the February strikes. The experts’ findings are likely to increase international pressure for a transparent probe and could have diplomatic and legal ramifications depending on the results of any further investigations.
The statement by the UN experts underscores broader concerns about attacks on civilian objects in armed conflicts and the need for all parties to adhere to protections established under international humanitarian law. It also reflects the UN human rights system’s role in documenting alleged violations and calling for remedial action where serious breaches are alleged.