The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated significantly since February 28, when missile strikes reportedly initiated by the US-Israeli coalition targeted multiple locations inside Iran, including Tehran. Among the most notable early casualties was Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at his residence alongside family members and senior officials, according to Iranian authorities.

The missile campaign expanded to cities across the country, such as Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj. One of the deadliest attacks occurred on the morning of February 28 in the southern city of Minab, where a Tomahawk cruise missile struck the Shajarh-Tayyebeh Girls’ Primary School. The school was hit multiple times during a series of strikes, resulting in the deaths of over 180 people, including 168 children aged seven to twelve and their teachers.

Initially, the US government denied involvement, attributing responsibility to Iranian forces. However, mounting evidence prompted US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to announce an investigation in early March. Despite calls from international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as well as appeals by the UN Human Rights Council for a formal inquiry, no comprehensive investigation has been initiated.

The military operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” has continued into its second month, with reports indicating extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. The strikes have targeted schools, hospitals, residential areas, and critical energy installations. Iranian officials report that more than 30 schools and at least 77 healthcare facilities, including 10 hospitals, have sustained damage. The Iranian Red Crescent Society estimates that approximately 20,000 civilian structures, including over 16,000 homes, have been affected. Casualty figures vary, with Iranian sources citing between 2,000 and 3,500 deaths and over 26,500 injuries.

In public statements, US leadership has emphasized a departure from traditional rules of engagement. Defense Secretary Hegseth declared an intent to forgo “stupid rules” and “politically correct wars,” while President Donald Trump threatened to target Iran’s oil infrastructure and strategic assets, including Kharg Island, the country’s main crude export terminal. Trump also expressed the willingness to destroy bridges and power plants, framing the campaign as a response to Iran’s failure to negotiate reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has dismissed accusations that these strikes constitute war crimes, referring disparagingly to the Iranian population.

The targeting of civilian infrastructure and cultural sites has drawn particular concern. UNESCO has reported damage to several World Heritage Sites, including the Golestan Palace in Tehran, the historic palaces in Isfahan, and the Khorramabad Valley. Tehran’s city council heritage committee has identified damage to at least 120 culturally significant landmarks nationwide since the onset of hostilities.

Academic institutions have also suffered damage in recent weeks. Sharif University of Technology, a leading institution in Tehran known for its contributions to science and engineering, was struck on April 2. The missile attacks affected its engineering departments and research facilities in nanoscience and environmental science. Other universities, including Shahid Beheshti University, Iran University of Science and Technology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Technology, have also been targeted. The Iranian Space Research Centre near Tehran was destroyed in mid-March, with collateral damage reported at the Persian Gulf University dormitory.

The conflict’s expansion beyond military to educational, cultural, and civilian domains has prompted significant international concern. Legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the actions as potential violations of international law, notably those provisions protecting civilian populations and cultural heritage during armed conflict. Despite these concerns, military operations continue, and calls for accountability remain unmet.