Iran has renewed its accusation that the United States committed a “war crime” after a missile strike on a sports hall in the southern city of Lamerd reportedly killed at least 21 civilians and injured around 100 others. Iranian officials say the attack targeted a crowded sports facility where young athletes, including teenagers, were present at the time.
The incident occurred on February 28 during the opening phase of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, the missile struck a civilian sports complex filled with young people. Tehran has described the attack as a deliberate assault on civilians and a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Investigations by several international media organizations and weapons experts have suggested that the weapon used was likely a U.S.-made Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a newer missile system that was reportedly being used in combat for the first time. Analysts cited video footage, fragmentation patterns and the missile’s airburst characteristics as evidence supporting that conclusion.
The United States military, however, has denied responsibility for the strike. Officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that American forces did not conduct attacks in the Lamerd area at the time and argued that the available evidence does not conclusively prove U.S. involvement.
The Lamerd strike has become one of the most controversial incidents of the conflict, drawing international attention alongside another deadly attack on a school in Minab that is also under investigation. A U.S. military probe into civilian casualty allegations related to strikes in Iran is ongoing, with American officials promising transparency once investigations are completed.
The renewed accusations come amid heightened tensions in the region. Fresh U.S. military strikes in southern Iran this week, described by Washington as “self-defence” actions against missile sites and naval threats, have further complicated efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and peace agreement between the two countries.
Iran continues to demand international accountability for the Lamerd attack, while the United States maintains that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain disputed. As investigations proceed, the strike remains a focal point in the broader debate over civilian casualties and conduct during the conflict.
