Day 485

May 19, 2026

4 incidents

  1. War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Military Overreach

    Stars and Stripes confirms absence of civilian harm tracking during active operations

    Stars and Stripes reporting confirms that no systematic civilian harm tracking occurred during the active Iran war campaign, consistent with the IG's findings. The gap spans the entire duration of operations, including documented incidents at Minab and reported hospital strikes.

    From: Pentagon IG: Hegseth Dismantled Civilian Harm Safeguards During Active War (May 2026)

  2. War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Military Overreach

    Attack called off at Gulf allies' request; negotiations given more time

    Trump formally announces the attack is called off, saying 'serious negotiations are underway.' Gulf states intervened because a resumption of strikes would likely close the Strait of Hormuz, devastating their own economies. The decision to strike or stand down was made without congressional notification.

    From: Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire Proposal, Plans 'Very Major Attack,' Cancels at Last Minute (May 2026)

  3. War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Military Overreach

    CENTCOM commander testifies before Congress — still no AUMF

    Adm. Brad Cooper testifies before the House Armed Services Committee, 81 days into a war without congressional authorization. Members press him on civilian casualties and the Minab school strike. Congress has still not voted on an AUMF.

    From: Iran War: Crime of Aggression — War Launched Without Congressional Authorization

  4. War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Foreign Policy & War

    CENTCOM commander testifies before Congress — investigation 'complex,' no timeline given

    Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Adam Smith (ranking member, House Armed Services Committee) presses Cooper to acknowledge the US killed more than 150 schoolgirls. Cooper confirms a formal investigation is underway but calls it 'a very complex investigation' because 'the school itself is located on an active IRGC cruise missile base.' He declines to give a timeline and will not acknowledge US responsibility. A Pentagon inspector general report has separately reopened scrutiny of the incident, according to reporting by Middle East Monitor and Global Security.

    From: Minab School Strike: US Tomahawk Cruise Missile Kills 175-180 Schoolgirls