A strike on a girls’ school in Iran resulting in the deaths of many children may have occurred due to the use of outdated targeting information by US forces, according to two sources informed about the situation. This incident is considered one of the most severe cases of civilian casualties in the history of US conflicts.
Initial reports by Reuters revealed that an internal investigation within the US military indicated potential responsibility of US forces for the strike on the girls’ school located in Minab.
Footage emerged showing what appears to be a US Tomahawk missile hitting the school area. However, the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy remains unclear, with the Pentagon refraining from comments and stating that the investigation is ongoing.
The strike, which took place during the commencement of US and Israeli assaults on Iran, resulted in the death of 150 students as reported by Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini.
Records from the school’s official website suggested its proximity to a compound controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s military organization under the supreme leader.
A source speaking on anonymity mentioned that outdated intelligence might have been utilized by officials in charge of creating targeting packages. Another source corroborated the use of obsolete intelligence.
In response to inquiries, the Pentagon stated that the incident is currently being investigated. Reports about the potential use of outdated targeting information were initially published by the New York Times earlier the same day.
The reasons behind the utilization of old data for the strike and any additional contributing factors leading to the mistake remain unclear.
The investigation is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for the conclusion of the inquiry.
Following Reuters’ coverage suggesting US accountability for the strike, President Donald Trump made baseless claims blaming Iran. However, he later expressed uncertainty about the incident, acknowledging the ongoing investigation and his willingness to accept its findings.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials emphasized the US’s stance of not intentionally targeting civilians.
Intentionally attacking a school, hospital, or any other civilian establishment would likely constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.
Iranian state television broadcasted images of the girls’ funerals where their small coffins, draped in Iranian flags, were solemnly transported from a truck amidst a large gathering towards their final resting place.
