On March 8, 2026, it was reported that the United States may bear responsibility for a devastating strike on a girls' school in Minab, Iran, which killed more than 150 individuals, predominantly children. The incident is currently under investigation, revealing that outdated intelligence may have led to the attack being categorized incorrectly as a military target.
Initial assessments indicate that US forces likely used dated targeting data that inaccurately identified the school as part of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility. The tragedy unfolded on February 28, the same day US and Israeli forces commenced a broader military operation against Iranian targets.
While the US Department of Defense has launched an investigation into the incident, officials have been cautious not to reach definitive conclusions. A Pentagon spokesperson stated, “It would be inappropriate to comment as the matter is under investigation.”
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the military is examining the incident but emphasized, "We never target civilian locations."
Iranian state media has reported that the strike led to the deaths of many students, ages 7 to 12, and has drawn international outcry. Eyewitness accounts describe the aftermath, with images of smoke rising from the now-destroyed Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school, which had murals reflecting a vibrant educational environment.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, noted that of those identified among the deceased, at least 48 were children. This incident stands as one of the deadliest strikes of the ongoing conflict, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
The situation remains tense, with political leaders in the US claiming that Iran is responsible for civilian casualties due to its military engagements. However, this claim has been contradicted by early recommendations from military assessments suggesting the US may indeed hold liability for this tragic error.
As calls for a thorough investigation intensify, the implications of the strike are likely to reverberate through diplomatic channels, complicating already fraught relations between the US, Iran, and their allies in the region.