Geneva – A United Nations Independent International Fact‑Finding Mission on Iran released a report on Thursday alleging that the United States may have carried out two indiscriminate strikes in February that resulted in civilian casualties, including children at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab. The mission concluded the attacks could amount to war crimes under international law.
UN Findings on the Minab School Strike
The UN experts said they found “reasonable grounds” to believe U.S. forces were responsible for the February strike that killed more than 150 people, among them roughly 120 schoolchildren, according to Iranian officials. The mission argued the United States acted recklessly by relying on unverified intelligence about a senior Iranian commander’s presence and failing to confirm the building was a legitimate military target.
In response, President Donald Trump reiterated his earlier statement that “nobody” purposefully attacked a girls’ school in Iran, citing an internal investigation that suggested U.S. forces were likely involved. The Pentagon has since elevated the probe but has not released preliminary findings.
Alleged Strike on Lamerd Sports Centre
The report also described a strike on a sports centre in Lamerd that damaged nearby residential buildings and a school, killing and injuring 22 civilians. The mission labeled the attack indiscriminate and therefore a potential war crime. U.S. Central Command, however, maintains that no strikes were launched into Lamerd on the day in question.
Iran’s Crackdown on Protests
Separately, the UN mission documented what it described as a systematic campaign by Iranian authorities against civilians during protests that began in late December. The report cites unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and severe restrictions on freedom of expression. While the mission could not independently verify the official death toll, it suggested the true number of dead and injured is likely far higher than Tehran’s reported 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries.
Iranian officials have blamed “terrorists and rioters” backed by exiled opponents and foreign foes, specifically naming the United States and Israel as supporters of the unrest.
Trump Administration’s Position
The Trump administration continues to assert that all U.S. military operations are conducted in accordance with the law of armed conflict. In a statement, the White House emphasized that any allegations of wrongdoing will be thoroughly investigated and that the United States remains committed to protecting innocent lives while confronting threats abroad.
President Trump, speaking at a press briefing, said the United States “takes any claim of civilian harm seriously” and that the ongoing investigation will determine whether any corrective actions are needed. He added that the United States will not be swayed by unfounded accusations from hostile foreign entities.
What This Means for U.S. Foreign Policy
The UN report adds to a growing chorus of international scrutiny over U.S. actions in the Middle East. Supporters of the Trump administration argue that the allegations are part of a broader effort to undermine America’s legitimate security objectives and to portray the United States as a violator of international norms.
Critics, however, contend that the findings underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in U.S. military engagements. As the investigation proceeds, both the United Nations and the Trump administration say they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
