Former President Donald Trump has publicly blamed Iran for a devastating airstrike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 175 individuals, including numerous children. The attack occurred on 28 February 2026, sparking international outrage and a complex web of accusations and investigations.
Trump's Assertion and Official Responses
In a statement, Trump insisted that Iran was responsible for the deadly incident, citing what he described as their inaccurate munitions as the likely cause. However, his Defence Secretary provided a more cautious perspective, indicating that the origin of the strike is still under active investigation by US authorities.
US Ambassador's Cautious Stance
Michael Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, declined to fully endorse Trump's assertion during a briefing. He emphasised that the incident remains under thorough investigation and reiterated the US commitment to avoiding civilian casualties in military operations. This divergence highlights internal tensions within the US administration regarding the attribution of blame.
Expert Analysis and Evidence
An analysis conducted by The New York Times, utilising satellite imagery and social media data, suggests that the school was hit during US military operations targeting an adjacent Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps naval base. Experts consulted for the report indicate that the extensive destruction was most likely due to "target misidentification" during these US strikes.
These experts have dismissed alternative theories, such as a faulty Iranian missile causing the damage, arguing that the scale and nature of the destruction align more closely with US munitions. This evidence points to a potential error in the targeting process, raising serious questions about operational protocols.
Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
The conflicting narratives between Trump's accusations and the findings of independent investigations underscore the complexities of modern warfare and accountability. As the US continues its probe, the international community watches closely, with calls for transparency and justice for the victims. The incident has reignited debates over military strategy and the protection of civilian infrastructure in conflict zones.
