GENEVA - The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran today urged all parties to the ongoing regional conflict to abide strictly by international law and cease hostilities, following a series of deadly US airstrikes in southern Iran. The strikes, which hit a wedding celebration and a residential home, killed and injured civilian families, including women and children, from already marginalised minority communities.
"These strikes are yet another devastating reminder of the human cost of the conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran," said Sara Hossain, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. "Civilians must be protected at all times, and constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilians objects from the effect of hostilities."
Despite insisting that its military was not targeting civilians, on 1 September, a US airstrike hit a house in Kuhestak city, Hormozgan province, where wedding celebrations were reportedly underway, according to credible reports and information obtained by the Fact-Finding Mission. Iranian media reported that five people were killed, including two children and one woman, and dozens more were injured.
On 30 July, another reported US airstrike destroyed a residential home in Qeshm city, also in Hormozgan province, reportedly killing a man, a woman, and their two-year old son, while injuring their two other children.
Both strikes occurred in areas of southeastern Iran populated by minority communities. Kuhestak is predominantly Baloch, while Qeshm is home to a predominantly Sunni population. Both communities have historically faced structural discrimination and marginalisation, as previously documented by the Fact-Finding Mission.
"Repeated airstrikes causing civilian casualties raise serious questions about whether all necessary measures are being taken to comply with States' obligations under international law, including to take all precautionary measures to avoid civilian deaths," said Max du Plessis, an expert member of the Fact-Finding Mission.
All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. The failure to respect international law obligations may give rise to international responsibility, including for war crimes.
"Strikes on civilians should trigger in depth review of the events, methods, and impacts to prevent further losses, and secure truth, justice and reparations for victims. Further strikes risk deepening the suffering and further compounding the political and socio-economic exclusion of communities already struggling to survive," said Viviana Krsticevic, an expert member of the Mission.
The Mission stressed the vital importance of full and unfettered access for independent human rights monitors, journalists, and investigators, including to secure critical evidence for the purposes of accountability.
Continued undue restrictions of internet access and censorship of online content risk undermining such efforts. Iranian authorities must respect their obligations under international human rights law and refrain from unduly restricting reporting of such events and the digital space.
The Mission repeats its call for UN Member States to take immediate diplomatic action to halt the military conflict, de-escalate tensions, and resume a credible, good faith dialogue on peace, human rights, justice and equal participation in political and public affairs.
Such dialogue must be inclusive and ensure the meaningful participation of women, children, youth and minorities in Iran. All those with influence must act urgently to put an end to the conflict and prevent further civilian suffering.
Background: The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran was established by the UN Human Rights Council on 24 November 2022 to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that began there on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children. On 23 January 2026, through resolution A/HRC/RES/S-39/1 adopted following the 39th special session of the Council, which concerned the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Council extended the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission for a further period of two years effective from the end of the 61st session of the Council, mandating it to investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in the country.
