The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has raised serious concerns after reports emerged that an airstrike last week may have hit a school in southern Iran. The incident, which reportedly killed many children, is now under investigation by U.S. military officials. While no final conclusion has been reached, early findings suggest that American forces may have been operating in the area at the time of the strike.
The tragedy has drawn international attention and renewed debate about civilian safety during military operations. Officials from both the United States and Israel have responded to the allegations while investigations continue.
Possible US involvement in school strike in Iran
According to two sources familiar with early investigation reports, the U.S. military was carrying out strikes near the area where the school was hit last Saturday.
Initial findings suggest it is possible that the strike may have been carried out by American forces because they were conducting military operations in that location at the time. Israeli forces, according to officials, were not active in that specific area during the incident.
Reuters reported that military investigators believe it is “likely” that U.S. forces may have been responsible, although the investigation is still ongoing and no final determination has been made.
Iranian officials report heavy casualties
Iranian authorities say the attack destroyed a girls’ elementary school in the city of Minab.
According to Iran’s education ministry, the strike killed 168 people, many of them children. The school building was heavily damaged, and rescue workers spent hours searching through the rubble to find survivors.
Images from the site show collapsed structures and rescue teams digging through debris as families gathered nearby.
The high number of casualties has triggered widespread concern and calls for accountability as the investigation continues.
White House says investigation still ongoing
The White House has not confirmed whether U.S. forces were responsible for the attack.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt directed questions about the incident to the Pentagon, saying the Department of Defense is responsible for investigating the matter.
Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said it would be wrong to make conclusions before the investigation is completed.
She stated that the United States does not deliberately target civilians and emphasised that the inquiry is still in progress.
Officials have warned against spreading claims about responsibility before the military investigation finishes its work.
Pentagon confirms probe into the incident
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the military is reviewing the incident.
Speaking to reporters during a briefing, Hegseth said officials are carefully examining what happened.
He stressed that the U.S. military does not intentionally strike civilian locations.
The Pentagon has not shared detailed information about the investigation so far.
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, Captain Tim Hawkins, also declined to comment on the details, explaining that it would not be appropriate while the investigation is ongoing.
Israel denies involvement in the strike
Israeli officials have said their forces were not operating in the area where the school was struck.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, said initial checks found no connection between Israeli military operations and the incident.
He explained that Israeli forces were not active in that location at the time the strike occurred.
However, Israeli officials said they are still reviewing the situation to ensure all details are clear.
School located near former military compound
Satellite images analysed by ABC News show that the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab is located near a compound once used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
However, the school had been separated from the military complex more than ten years ago.
Google Earth images from 2013 and 2016 show that a wall was built between the school and the military buildings during that time.
This suggests the school had been functioning as a civilian educational facility separate from the nearby compound.
Conflict between US and Iran continues
The strike happened during a wider military conflict between the United States and Iran, which has largely involved air operations and missile attacks.
Both sides have exchanged strikes targeting military sites and strategic locations.
The incident involving the school has raised new concerns about civilian safety and the risks of military operations near populated areas.
As investigations continue, officials say it may take time before a clear explanation of the strike is confirmed.
