UN human rights chief calls on US to conclude probe into Iran school strike

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk is urging the US to promptly conclude and publish its investigation into a deadly strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, southern Iran, which occurred on the first day of the war last month. The attack, reportedly consisting of two missile strikes, killed at least 168 people, including approximately 110 children. US media reports suggest American military investigators believe US forces were likely unintentionally responsible. Türk emphasized the need for justice and a transparent investigation, while Iran's Foreign Minister accused the US of a deliberate attack. A letter from Senate Democrats questions the US role, potential target analysis errors, and compliance with war crime prevention rules. The Pentagon stated it would respond directly to the senators.

The UN Human Rights Chief urged the US to swiftly conclude its investigation into the February 28 bombing of an Iranian junior school in Minab, which occurred on the first day of the US-Israeli war on Iran. The bombing, which reportedly killed 168 pupils, teachers, staff, and their relatives, was described as evoking "visceral horror." The UN called for justice for the victims and emphasized that differences between countries should not result in the killing of schoolchildren. Preliminary findings from a US military investigation, reported by The New York Times, suggest a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake. Iran's Foreign Minister, however, characterized the bombing as a "calculated" assault by the US.