UN mission calls for a halt to attacks on civilians in Iran

The UN has confirmed that a US strike hit a wedding ceremony in southern Iran, adding to growing scrutiny of Washington’s claims that civilians were not targeted in its campaign against Iran. The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission said the pattern of repeated airstrikes causing civilian casualties raises serious questions about whether all required precautions under international law were taken. Its members stressed that civilians must be protected at all times and that every possible step should be taken to avoid harm to people and civilian property.

According to the statement, the attack on the wedding ceremony in the fishing port of Kuhestak killed five people, including children, and wounded dozens more. The mission said this case directly contradicts recent US statements suggesting civilians had not been targeted. It described the strike as another devastating reminder of the human cost of the conflict and called attention to the obligation of states to comply with international law during armed conflict.

The mission also referred to another deadly strike in Qeshm, where a residential home was destroyed and a man, a woman, and their two-year-old son were killed. Two other children in the family were injured. UN experts said attacks on civilians should lead to a detailed review of what happened, how the strike was carried out, and what impact it had, so that future losses can be prevented and victims can receive truth, justice, and reparations.

The report said the damage across Qeshm Island shows the visible consequences of the war, with destroyed buildings and damaged infrastructure marking areas struck by air raids. Local reports described explosions and destruction at a fishing pier and in residential neighborhoods. Despite the violence, diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities have continued.