Iran

February 28, 2026

US/Israel/Iran: All Parties Should Respect Laws of War

The United States and Israel on February 28, 2026 carried out airstrikes on Iran, which retaliated with strikes against Israel and Gulf states. All parties to the conflict are obligated to respect international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, and prioritize the protection of civilians. Human Rights Watch is currently investigating strikes by all parties that may have violated the laws of war.

Middle East map with Iran shaded gray

Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

March 7, 2026
Report
US/Israel: Investigate Iran School Attack as a War Crime
Technology and Rights

March 6, 2026
News Release
Iran: Internet Shutdown Violates Rights, Escalates Risks to Civilians
Women's Rights

March 6, 2026
Commentary
As Women’s Rights Are Dismantled, So is Democracy

Macarena Sáez

Executive Director, Women's Rights Division

Published in: Global Cause

Videos

Reports

March 7, 2026 Report

US/Israel: Investigate Iran School Attack as a War Crime

Scores of Civilians, Including Children, Reportedly Killed; Full Investigation Needed
February 24, 2026 Report

Iran: Tsunami of Arbitrary Arrests, Enforced Disappearances

Detainees Tortured; Face Secret, Arbitrary Executions; Families Search for Disappeared
January 16, 2026 Report

Iran: Growing Evidence of Countrywide Massacres

UN Member States Should Call for Human Rights Council Special Session
September 4, 2025 Report

Iran: Missile Strikes on Israeli Civilians Likely War Crimes

Large Munitions During 12-Day Conflict Hit Far from Military Targets

News

March 2, 2026 Statement

US Defense Secretary’s Media Remarks on Rules of Engagement
February 24, 2026 Report

Iran: Tsunami of Arbitrary Arrests, Enforced Disappearances

Detainees Tortured; Face Secret, Arbitrary Executions; Families Search for Disappeared
February 4, 2026 News Release

Iran: Human Rights Situation Spirals Deeper into Crisis

Execution Spree; Lethal Protest Crackdown Leading to Countrywide Massacres
January 23, 2026 Statement

Unprecedented Mass Killings in Iran Require Robust Investigation and Accountability

HRW Oral Statement - 39th Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council
January 16, 2026 Statement

Joint Statement To Member States of the United Nations Human Rights Council
January 16, 2026 Report

Iran: Growing Evidence of Countrywide Massacres

UN Member States Should Call for Human Rights Council Special Session
January 12, 2026 Statement

Iran’s Internet Blackout Concealing Atrocities

Reports of Large-Scale Killings
January 8, 2026 News Release

Iran: Authorities’ Renewed Cycle of Protest Bloodshed

Rising Toll of Protester Deaths and Injuries
January 6, 2026 Dispatches

Iranian Authorities ‌‌Brutally Repressing Protests

Cease Unlawful Use of Lethal Force, Arbitrary Arrests
December 10, 2025 News Release

Iran: Weaponizing Justice System to Persecute Baha’is

Wave of Arbitrary Detentions, Property Confiscations

Our people

Michael Page

Deputy Director, Middle East and North Africa Division

MichaelARPage

Bahar Saba

Senior Iran and Kuwait Researcher