A UN fact-finding mission has concluded that the United States likely committed war crimes during recent military strikes in Iran while simultaneously accusing Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during their suppression of anti-government protests.
The independent report, scheduled for presentation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and examined conduct from both nations during the recent conflict and internal unrest.
According to the mission there are "reasonable grounds" to hold US forces responsible for a February strike on a primary school in Minab that killed over 150 people including approximately 120 children. The UN concluded the US acted recklessly by failing to update targeting databases, striking the school because of its proximity to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval complex. The mission also classified a separate US strike on a Lamerd sports center caused 22 civilian casualties as an indiscriminate war crime.
The Pentagon declined to comment and citing an ongoing internal investigation. However, a White House spokesperson dismissed the UN Human Rights Council's credibility with insisting Iran was solely responsible for war crimes. US officials have previously denied intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure.
Concurrently UN probe heavily condemned Tehran for its brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that erupted late last year. The mission detailed a systematic campaign of unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. While official figures report over 3,000 deaths and 25,000 injuries, the UN believes the actual toll is significantly higher. The report noted that Iran's use of lethal force and internet blackouts marked a severe escalation in its methods of suppressing dissent.
While UN fact-finding missions cannot initiate criminal cases also their documented findings can be utilized by national courts or the International Criminal Court for future prosecutions.
