US Investigators Point to Likely US Role in Deadly Iranian School Bombing
Military investigators in the United States have tentatively concluded that US forces were likely responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that resulted in the deaths of scores of children, according to two US officials briefed on the matter. The incident, which occurred on 28 February in Minab, southern Iran, has drawn international condemnation and calls for a thorough investigation.
Investigation Underway Amid Conflicting Reports
The Pentagon has confirmed that an inquiry is ongoing, but has refrained from commenting further. Captain Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, stated, "It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation." Meanwhile, Iran has reported that more than 160 people, including 150 students, were killed in the attack, though Reuters has been unable to independently verify the death toll.
Two US officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that while the preliminary assessment points to US involvement, they have not ruled out the possibility that new evidence could implicate another party. The investigation is examining details such as the type of munition used and the rationale behind the strike, which took place during coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
International Reactions and Legal Implications
The United Nations human rights office has called for an investigation into the attack, with spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani emphasizing, "The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it." Under international humanitarian law, deliberately targeting a school or other civilian structure could constitute a war crime.
In response to queries, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth acknowledged the investigation, asserting, "We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we're taking a look and investigating that." Similarly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the US would not intentionally strike a school, referring questions to the Department of War.
Context of the Attack and Broader Conflict
The strike occurred amid a broader military campaign, with US and Israeli forces reportedly dividing their targets geographically. While Israel focused on missile launch sites in western Iran, the US attacked similar targets and naval assets in the south. This incident, if confirmed as a US action, would mark one of the worst cases of civilian casualties in recent Middle Eastern conflicts.
Images from the mass funeral of the victims, broadcast on Iranian state television, showed small coffins draped with Iranian flags, highlighting the tragic human cost. The White House, through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, issued a statement shifting blame, saying, "While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America."
As the investigation progresses, the international community awaits further details to determine accountability and prevent future tragedies in the ongoing regional tensions.
