Minab, Iran. U.S. military investigators believe it is likely that U.S. forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed scores of children on Saturday, two U.S. officials told Reuters, stressing the investigation is not complete.
Tentative assessment and ongoing inquiry
Reuters reported it was unable to determine details about the investigation, including what evidence contributed to the tentative assessment, what type of munition was used, who was responsible, or why the United States might have struck the school. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said new evidence could emerge that absolves the United States of responsibility and points to another party.
Reuters also could not determine how much longer the investigation would last or what evidence investigators are seeking before the assessment can be completed.
Incident details and casualty claims
The girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran, was hit on Saturday during the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country. Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students, a toll Reuters could not independently confirm.
Responses from U.S. officials
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday acknowledged the U.S. military was investigating the incident, saying, “We’re investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we’re taking a look and investigating that.”
The Pentagon referred questions from Reuters to U.S. Central Command. A spokesperson, Captain Timothy Hawkins, said, “It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation.”
The White House did not directly comment on the investigation, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to Reuters, “While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday that the United States would not deliberately target a school.
What do you think investigators will need to determine before they can reach a final conclusion?
