Preliminary Military Inquiry Finds U.S. Responsible for Deadly Strike on Iranian School

A preliminary military investigation has concluded that a missile strike which destroyed an elementary school in Iran was most likely caused by a targeting error made by the United States during ongoing military operations in the region.

The incident occurred on February 28 in the southern Iranian city of Minab, where a missile strike hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school building. Iranian authorities have reported that at least 175 people were killed in the attack, with the majority believed to be children.

Early findings from the investigation suggest the strike resulted from outdated targeting information used by U.S. military planners. The data was reportedly supplied by intelligence sources and used to generate the coordinates for the missile strike.

Officials familiar with the inquiry say the school building had previously been part of a nearby Iranian naval installation, which was one of the targets of U.S. military operations. Investigators believe the building was mistakenly identified as still being connected to the military facility.

At the time of the strike, U.S. forces were conducting attacks on Iranian naval infrastructure in the area. The naval base is located directly beside the school site, making it a strategic military objective during the conflict.

Investigators are examining why the outdated intelligence information was not verified before the strike was authorised. Military targeting procedures normally require multiple levels of verification, particularly when attacks occur near civilian infrastructure.

The school building had reportedly been separated from the military compound years earlier. Satellite imagery shows the structure was converted for educational use, with security fencing removed and features such as playgrounds and sports areas added.

Several intelligence and military agencies are now being reviewed as part of the investigation, including those responsible for gathering intelligence, analysing satellite imagery and approving strike targets.

Officials say the inquiry is still ongoing and key questions remain about how the outdated information was passed through the targeting process without being corrected.

Military analysts note that modern targeting operations involve coordination between multiple intelligence agencies and operational commands. While the systems are designed to prevent mistakes, errors can occur during fast moving military operations, particularly in the early stages of conflict.

Authorities are also reviewing whether any automated data analysis systems or software tools played a role in the targeting process. Early indications suggest the mistake was more likely due to human oversight rather than a technical failure.

Evidence from satellite imagery and video footage shows the school building sustained heavy damage consistent with a precision missile strike occurring around the same time as attacks on the nearby naval base.

The incident has become one of the most severe reported civilian casualties of the conflict so far and is expected to face intense scrutiny as the investigation continues.

Officials say further findings will be released once the inquiry is completed.