U.S. Airstrikes on Iranian School: Investigation and Accountability

More than 100 days have passed since U.S. airstrikes hit an elementary school in Minab, a southern Iranian city. This incident remains under investigation. At least 175 lives were lost, mostly children, according to Iranian officials.

President Trump addressed the issue during the Group of 7 summit in France. He stated, “Mistakes are made. War is nasty,” possibly acknowledging U.S. involvement. He affirmed ongoing scrutiny by the Pentagon.

U.S. military sources have privately conceded that American forces carried out these airstrikes. The strikes were described as an intelligence mishap. The school was situated close to a base used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy. This base was originally part of where the school is located today.

An internal review highlighted that target selectors were relying on outdated imagery, some as old as seven years, not reflecting the school’s presence. Two analysts were reportedly aware a building had been converted into a school, but this information was not communicated to those deciding on military targets. As a result, the site remained classified as suitable for attacks.

The first strike claimed the lives of many students instantly. A subsequent strike, known to the military as a “double tap,” caused further casualties. Analysis by The New York Times uncovered that precision strikes targeted several Revolutionary Guards buildings, alongside the school.

This was the deadliest civilian casualty event linked to the U.S. military since 1991. That incident involved a U.S. aircraft bombing a civilian shelter in Baghdad, resulting in over 400 deaths.

Reporting contributions came from Zolan Kanno-Youngs in Évian-les-Bains, France, and Max Bearak, a correspondent for The Times covering breaking and international news.