On February 28, 2026, a U.S. airstrike struck Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of 157 individuals, including children and teachers. This tragic event has prompted allegations of war crimes against the U.S., coinciding with President Trump’s aggressive remarks aimed at Iran during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
The U.N. Human Rights Council’s report presents “reasonable grounds to believe” the airstrike was a war crime. It highlights the stark contrast between Trump’s rhetoric at the U.N., where he expressed intentions to “annihilate” Iran, and the principles of international law and cooperation upheld by the United Nations.
During his speech, Trump emphasized the use of strength to establish America’s dominance. He referenced a notion from the Gilded Age, drawing parallels to how the “robber barons” enriched themselves through corrupt means. These remarks troublingly align with current allegations of similar actions by Trump and his associates.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to Trump, emphasizing the choice between governance by law or by force, between cooperation or coercion. The situation calls for accountability, with suggestions that Trump should face charges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, including attacks in the Caribbean and Pacific and actions in Venezuela.
The U.N. report on the Minab strike includes images and videos depicting the devastation. Photographs show child-oriented murals, school signage, and playground areas pre-strike, as well as satellite imagery with children gathered in the courtyard. Post-strike images reveal harrowing scenes, including a man holding the severed arm of a child and bloodied backpacks. The school was determined to be the targeted point, not an incidental casualty.
Among the victims were 123 children aged 13 or younger, 26 female educators, parents, and other staff members. The report specifies that the school endured two strikes, with the second hitting the upper floor where the children had been moved for safety, confirming a deliberate attack.
The International Criminal Court has historically issued numerous indictments for war crimes, including those against prominent leaders. Trump and his administration face potential indictments concerning this incident.
Bennett L. Gershman, professor of law, has highlighted these events, underscoring the absence of U.S. accountability. This tragedy remains a stark reminder of the pressing need for justice and adherence to international law.