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U.S. strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes, US experts say

More than 100 US international law experts say American strikes and senior officials statements raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in the war with Iran.

Apr 3rd 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • Over 100 US-based international law scholars signed an open letter on April 2 warning US conduct in the Iran war may violate international law.
  • The letter cited strikes that hit schools, health facilities, and homes and highlighted a February 28 strike on an Iranian girls school that the Iranian Red Crescent says killed 175 people.
  • Experts pointed to comments by President Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, including Trump saying strikes might be done "just for fun" and his April 1 threat to "bring them back to the Stone Ages.",
  • The US military has elevated its investigation into the February 28 school strike after media reports indicated US forces were likely responsible.
  • The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran and has since prompted Iranian strikes on Israel and Gulf states with large civilian casualties and displacement.

Sources