U.S. military investigators believe American forces were likely behind an apparent strike on a girls’ school in Iran that killed many children last Saturday, though they have not yet reached a final conclusion, according to two U.S. officials.
Reuters could not determine further details about the investigation, including the evidence behind the initial assessment, the type of weapon used, who was responsible, or why the U.S. might have targeted the school.
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the U.S. military is investigating the incident. The two officials, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said new evidence could still emerge pointing to another party.
The school in Minab, southern Iran, was hit on Saturday during the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country. Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, stated the strike killed 150 students, a figure Reuters could not independently verify.
The Pentagon referred questions to Central Command, whose spokesperson, Captain Timothy Hawkins, said it would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
The White House did not directly address the investigation, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, “While the Department of Defense is investigating this matter, it is the Iranian regime that targets civilians and children, not the United States of America.”
When asked about the incident on Wednesday, Secretary Hegseth said, “We’re investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian sites. But we’re looking into it.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday that the U.S. would not intentionally target a school. “The Department of Defense would be investigating if it was our strike, and I would refer your question to them,” he said.
A senior Israeli official and a source familiar with the joint planning said U.S. and Israeli forces have divided their attacks in Iran by geography and target type. While Israel struck missile launch sites in western Iran, the U.S. focused on similar targets, as well as naval ones, in the south.
The UN human rights office has called for an investigation into the school attack without attributing blame. “The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it,” said UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani in Geneva.
Iranian state television broadcast images of a mass funeral for the girls on Tuesday, showing small coffins draped with Iranian flags being carried through a large crowd.
Under international humanitarian law, deliberately attacking a school, hospital, or any civilian structure could constitute a war crime.
If U.S. involvement is confirmed, this strike would be among the worst incidents of civilian casualties in the Middle East in decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Reported US Strike on an Iranian Girls School
Beginner Factual Questions
1 What is this news story about
US investigators reportedly believe that a recent explosion or strike at a girls school in Iran was likely carried out by US military or intelligence forces This is based on emerging intelligence assessments though official confirmation may be pending
2 Has the US government officially confirmed this
Typically in such sensitive cases the US government does not immediately or publicly claim responsibility for covert actions especially within another countrys borders Official statements may be delayed ambiguous or denied through unofficial channels
3 Why would the US target a school
If the reports are accurate a school would be an highly unusual and serious target Possible explanations from an investigative standpoint could include mistaken intelligence a target of interest was near or using the school as cover or the strike was intended for a different facility entirely The specific rationale would be part of the confidential investigation
4 Was anyone hurt or killed
Initial reports from the incident in Iran indicated casualties The exact number and status would depend on local Iranian reporting which may conflict with external assessments
Advanced Analytical Questions
5 What does US investigators believe mean in this context
It suggests that within US intelligence and defense agencies analysts reviewing evidencesuch as signals intelligence satellite imagery or operational reportshave reached a preliminary conclusion that US forces were responsible This is an internal assessment not necessarily public policy
6 How could this happen Isnt there strict oversight
Covert military and intelligence operations operate under specific legal authorities and chains of command While there is oversight operations can go wrong due to faulty intelligence communication errors or misinterpretation of rules of engagement If true this event would prompt a highlevel internal review
7 What are the potential consequences of such an action
If confirmed the consequences could be severe
Diplomatic A major escalation with Iran damaging any ongoing negotiations
Legal Potential accusations of violating international law especially if a protected civilian site like a school was intentionally struck
