Washington: Five former US officials have criticised the Pentagon for failing to publicly clarify potential American involvement in a deadly strike on a school in Minab, Iran, during Operation Epic Fury, according to a BBC report.
The strike occurred on February 28 at the start of the conflict with Iran, when a missile hit a primary school, killing 168 people, including around 110 children, Iranian officials said. While the Pentagon confirmed the incident remains under investigation, it has not issued detailed findings.
Initially, some US media reports suggested military investigators believed American forces were likely responsible. However, no final conclusion has been announced, and officials have declined to comment further.
Moreover, former defence and legal experts described the Pentagon’s limited disclosure as unusual. Retired military legal adviser Rachel VanLandingham noted that past administrations typically demonstrated stronger adherence to transparency in such cases. Similarly, former Pentagon adviser Wes Bryant said formal investigations usually proceed quickly once civilian harm is identified.
Meanwhile, another former official described the situation as “unusually opaque,” arguing that similar incidents historically prompted faster public updates.
In addition, US lawmakers have pressed for answers regarding the strike and any American role. However, officials have cited the ongoing investigation as a reason for withholding details.
Earlier, President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the incident, though later reports suggested a possible US-linked missile strike near the site. He subsequently said he had not seen evidence supporting that claim.
The Pentagon maintains it does not target civilian sites, while a UN mission has requested access to investigate the incident.
