Evidence

Multiple independent outlets — NPR, CBC News, TIME, and Common Dreams — reported in September 2026 on a UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent international commission's findings that there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe the United States committed war crimes in two February 2026 strikes on Iran: one on the Shajareh Tayyebeh (Tree of Tayyiba) primary school in Minab (killing over 150-178 people, including around 120 children) and another on a sports complex/hall in Lamerd (killing about 21-22 civilians and injuring dozens more). NPR and CBC both describe the strikes as involving Tomahawk missiles and Precision Strike Missiles respectively, and note the UN mission found the targets were clearly identifiable civilian objects with no evidence of military use. TIME reported the Pentagon launched a command investigation into the Minab strike but had not released findings, and a US official told the Associated Press the strike was 'likely' a mistake — indicating the US has acknowledged conducting strikes in the area even if not fully detailing or formally confirming responsibility for civilian casualties in public statements. This nuance means the claim that 'Washington has not acknowledged carrying out the strikes' may not be fully accurate, since US officials reportedly discussed an investigation into the Minab strike with AP.