Published on: 2026-09-14
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 14, 2026 World and Security
The independent international UN fact-finding mission regarding Iran today called on all parties in the regional conflict to strictly abide by international law and cease military actions. Earlier, US strikes hit a wedding celebration and a residential building, resulting in the deaths and injuries of civilians, including women and children from minority groups.
“These strikes are yet another stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict,” said Mission Chair Sarah Hossein. According to her, ongoing precautions are necessary to protect civilians and civilian objects from the consequences of military actions.
Civilians in a vulnerable position
Despite assurances that the US military does not strike civilians, on September 1, according to reliable reports received by the Mission, a house in the city of Kuhestak, Hormozgan province, was hit by an airstrike during a wedding celebration taking place at that time. According to Iranian media, five people died, including two children and one woman, and several dozen others were injured.
As a result of the US airstrike carried out on July 30, a residential house was reportedly destroyed in the city of Qeshm, also in Hormozgan Province. According to reports, a man, a woman, and their two-year-old son were killed, and two other children were injured.
Both strikes hit areas in southeastern Iran, where minorities live: the population of Kuhestak is predominantly Baloch, while Qeshm is Sunni. Both communities have historically faced discrimination and marginalization.
International responsibility
“The ongoing airstrikes causing civilian casualties raise serious questions about whether all necessary measures are being taken to fulfill states’ obligations under international law, including the obligation to take all precautions to prevent the death of civilians,” noted Mission expert Max du Plessis.
All parties to the conflict are obligated to comply with the norms of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction of targets, proportionality, and precaution. Failure to comply with these obligations may entail international responsibility, including for war crimes.
“Strikes on the civilian population must lead to a thorough investigation of the circumstances, methods, and consequences of what happened—to avoid new victims and ensure the establishment of truth, justice, and compensation for the victims,” emphasized Mission expert Viviana Krstičević. “The continuation of such strikes risks exacerbating people’s suffering and increasing the political and socio-economic isolation of communities already in an extremely difficult situation.”
Diplomatic steps are necessary
The Mission emphasizes that independent human rights defenders, journalists, and investigators must be granted full and unimpeded access, including for the collection of evidence in order to hold the guilty accountable.
According to experts, ongoing unjustified internet access restrictions and online content censorship could undermine these efforts. Human rights advocates have noted that Iranian authorities should refrain from such restrictions.
The mission once again called on United Nations member states to take immediate diplomatic steps to reduce tensions and resume dialogue.
Such a dialogue, according to the statement, should ensure the full participation of women, children, youth, and minorities of Iran. All those who have influence must immediately take action to put an end to the conflict and prevent further suffering of the civilian population.
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