Preliminary Investigation Points to US Forces
A preliminary US military investigation points toward American forces as likely responsible for the airstrike that devastated a girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran’s Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026. Two US officials told Reuters the early findings suggest US involvement, but they stressed the inquiry is far from complete—new evidence could still shift things.
Attack During Coordinated Military Operations
The attack occurred on the opening day of coordinated US and Israeli military operations against Iran. The school, Shajareh Tayyebeh (often translated as “The Good Tree”), took a hit during morning classes.
Damage Observed via Satellite Imagery
Satellite imagery from outlets like The New York Times and BBC shows severe damage to the school building and burn marks around an adjacent IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) naval compound. Analysts say the timing aligns with US strikes targeting nearby military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Precision munitions appear to have been used, and the school either fell within the blast radius or was possibly struck directly.
US Officials Respond
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the investigation during a Pentagon briefing, saying simply, “We’re investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this earlier, insisting the US “would not deliberately target a school.” Neither the Pentagon nor US Central Command has released more details, citing the ongoing review. Israel has not commented directly on this incident, and both sides maintain they avoid civilian infrastructure.
Human Toll and Public Reaction
The strike represents one of the deadliest single civilian events reported so far in the conflict. Mass funerals in Minab drew thousands, with small coffins draped in Iranian flags and mourners filling the streets. Images and videos of the aftermath—backpacks amid debris, grieving families—spread widely online, fueling global outrage.
International Condemnation
The UN human rights office and UNESCO condemned the attack, calling it a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Schools receive special protection under the rules of war; deliberately hitting them could qualify as a war crime. UNESCO highlighted how such strikes endanger children and rob them of education. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed being “heartbroken and appalled.”
Lingering Questions
As the probe continues, questions remain: Was it a targeting error? Collateral from a nearby military hit? Or something else? With competing narratives—Iran blames the US and Israel outright, while Washington and Tel Aviv have not claimed or denied responsibility—the full picture may take time. In the meantime, the tragedy highlights the brutal civilian toll in this escalating war.
