A United Nations fact-finding mission has stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that two strikes in Iran during the recent conflict caused significant civilian casualties and may have violated international humanitarian law, according to a newly released report.
The report, prepared by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, focused on attacks that occurred during the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Investigators examined incidents in Minab and Lamerd, where missile strikes reportedly resulted in civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure.
According to the findings, a strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in the southern town of Minab on 28 February killed at least 156 people, including a large number of children, based on figures cited by local authorities. The mission said the school was located near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility that was also targeted that day, but investigators found no evidence indicating the school itself was being used for military purposes.
The experts concluded that the school was clearly identifiable as a civilian facility and stated that evidence gathered during the investigation led them to believe the site was intentionally struck rather than hit accidentally or as collateral damage from the nearby military target. Investigators cited witness accounts and other information suggesting the school was hit more than once.
The report also examined a strike on a sports complex in Lamerd, which investigators said resulted in civilian deaths and damage to non-military infrastructure. The mission described both incidents as potential indiscriminate attacks under international law.
US officials have previously disputed aspects of the allegations. The United States said it was investigating the Minab incident and has denied conducting the strike in Lamerd. A US State Department official also rejected the report’s conclusions and said the findings were not considered credible by the US government.
In addition to examining the conflict, the UN experts reported on Iran’s response to anti-government protests earlier in the year. The mission said security forces allegedly carried out widespread actions that could amount to crimes against humanity, citing deaths and human rights violations reported across all 31 provinces. Iranian authorities have previously rejected allegations of systematic human rights abuses.
The fact-finding mission said civilians in Iran have been affected by both the impact of the conflict and broader domestic human rights concerns. Investigators called for accountability and further examination of alleged violations by all parties involved.
The report is expected to be discussed at the UN Human Rights Council, where member states may consider next steps regarding the findings and recommendations.
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