Calls are growing for an independent investigation into an attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran that killed 165 young pupils this week, with United Nations experts denouncing the deadly bombing as “a grave assault on children”.

In a statement on Friday, a group of UN experts said girls between the ages of seven and 12 were the main victims of the attack on the primary school in Minab on Saturday – the first day of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran.

“An attack on a functioning school during class hours raises the most serious concerns under international law and must be urgently, independently, and effectively investigated, with accountability for any violations,” they said.

“A strike on a school represents a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community,” the experts said. “There is no excuse for killing girls in a classroom.”

Rights advocates have pointed to the Minab school attack as evidence of potential war crimes being committed by Israel and the US in a war that legal experts say was launched in violation of the UN Charter and in breach of international law.

They also say it is an example of the heavy toll Iranian civilians are paying amid the conflict, which has killed at least 1,332 people so far, according to the latest figures cited by Iran’s state media outlets.

Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, told reporters on Monday that the school was “deliberately destroyed” in US-Israeli attacks against the country. “As a result, 165 innocent schoolgirls were martyred. I repeat it – 165 schoolgirls martyred,” he said.

Investigations published in recent days suggest US President Donald Trump’s administration was responsible for the attack.

The Reuters news agency, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported on Thursday that American military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible.

Using satellite imagery as well as verified videos and official statements, The New York Times also said US forces “were most likely to have carried out the strike” as they were attacking an adjacent naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that Washington was investigating the incident.

“The Department of War and the United States armed forces do not target civilians,” she said.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told reporters on Friday that, “whatever outcome there will be of the investigations, we hope they will be prompt and that they will be done in full transparency”.

“We also expect accountability to be served because obviously mistakes were clearly made,” Turk said in Geneva, Switzerland, stressing that “accountability is absolutely critical” along with redress and compensation.

“It is a lesson to be learned – a horrible, tragic lesson to be learned – when girls are killed in this way,” he said.

“I hope there will be not only guarantees of non-recurrence, but a review of all the standard operating procedures when it comes to these issues, and especially when it comes to conduct of hostilities.”

Meanwhile, DAWN, a US-based advocacy group, has urged Iran to give the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory since the war began.

“From the killing of over 150 students and teachers to strikes on hospitals full of newborns, every day more and more evidence emerges pointing to the commission of grave war crimes in Iran since the start of the war,” said the group’s executive director, Omar Shakir.

“Victims deserve justice. The mechanisms exist and the US has no veto over them.”

British woman who reported rape in Hong Kong may face prison

A 25-year-old British woman who reported being raped in Hong Kong now faces the possibility of prison.

Isabel Rose, from Hackney, east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had encountered during her travels in Asia. The man was arrested, but Rose was subsequently charged with blackmail and later with perverting the course of justice. He denies all allegations and faces no charges.

Her trial, heard by a judge last year, is expected to reach a verdict on 3 March. If convicted, Rose could serve several years behind bars. Prosecutors alleged she initially requested £5,000 and later demanded £100,000, claims she denies, stating she was seeking compensation for the alleged assault.

Rose has remained on bail throughout, unable to work or leave Hong Kong. The UK consulate said it cannot comment on individual cases but provides consular support to nationals.

Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintaining its own legal system despite being part of China since the 1997 handover.

US-Iran talks end after ‘significant progress’, mediator says

High-stakes nuclear discussions between the US and Iran wrapped up in Geneva, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi reporting “significant progress,” though the likelihood of a deal to prevent war remains uncertain. Technical talks are slated for next week in Vienna, with no immediate remarks from US or Iranian officials.

President Donald Trump has threatened action against Iran if a deal isn’t reached, amid the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iran has promised a forceful response to any attack. While Trump favors diplomacy, he’s hinted at a limited strike to pressure Iran into agreement, though details of his demands remain vague, eight months after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites amid tensions with Israel.

Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment but may offer concessions on its nuclear program. Negotiations are led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the US represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Recently, the US deployed thousands of troops, including two aircraft carriers, warships, fighter jets, and refueling planes.

Trump initially threatened Iran last month following deadly crackdowns on protests. Now, the focus is Iran’s nuclear ambitions, long a point of contention with the West. The US and Israel have accused Iran of covert weapon development, while Tehran maintains its program is peaceful, despite enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels.

In his State of the Union, Trump vaguely cited Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions, labeling the nation the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Last June, the US targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, claiming they were “obliterated.” Iran asserts enrichment paused post-strikes, though inspectors have not accessed the damaged facilities.

Trump claims Iran wants a deal but has not explicitly renounced nuclear weapons. Iran counters, promising never to develop them and highlighting a chance for “an unprecedented agreement addressing mutual concerns.” The Iranian foreign ministry called US claims about its nuclear program and protests “big lies.”

Negotiations may include regional uranium consortiums, handling Iran’s ~400kg stockpile of enriched uranium, and verification measures. Iran seeks sanctions relief, while Trump’s acceptable terms remain unclear. Tehran refuses to limit ballistic missiles or curb regional alliances like the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis.

Reports suggest Trump may consider strikes on Revolutionary Guards or nuclear sites to pressure Iran, potentially escalating to efforts to remove Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Military leaders warn of prolonged conflict risks, but Trump believes victory would be “easy.” Iran has vowed retaliation against US assets, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu opposes deals excluding Iran’s missiles and proxies and may support moves to topple Tehran. The US holds the second-largest nuclear arsenal, with Israel believed to possess nuclear weapons. Ahead of the State of the Union, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed key congressional leaders, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.