Preliminary Assessment Points to U.S. Forces, But Probe Continues
U.S. military investigators believe it is likely that American forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed scores of children last Saturday, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized the investigation is ongoing and a final conclusion has not been reached.
Officials Acknowledge Investigation, Leave Room for Alternate Findings
The officials did not rule out the possibility that new evidence could emerge absolving the United States and pointing to another responsible party. Reuters could not determine details such as the type of munition used, the specific unit involved, or the intended target.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the military investigation on Wednesday, stating, “We’re investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we’re taking a look and investigating that.”
White House, State Department Respond
The White House did not comment directly on the investigation’s findings. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, “While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters earlier in the week that the U.S. would not deliberately target a school, referring questions to the Department of War.
Context of U.S.-Israeli Operations in Iran
The incident occurs amid a broader conflict. According to a senior Israeli official and a source with knowledge of joint planning, Israeli and U.S. forces have divided their attacks in Iran geographically and by target type. While Israel has focused on missile sites in western Iran, the U.S. has been attacking similar targets, as well as naval ones, in the south.
International Reaction and Potential War Crime
The UN human rights office called for an investigation on Tuesday. “The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it,” said spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.
Under international humanitarian law, deliberately attacking a school or hospital is likely a war crime. If a U.S. role is confirmed, the strike would rank among the worst cases of civilian casualties from U.S. operations in the Middle East in decades.
Funerals Held for Victims
Iranian state television broadcast images of the girls’ funerals on Tuesday, showing small coffins draped with Iranian flags being carried through a large crowd in Minab.
