By Gloria Nosa
A preliminary internal assessment by the United States Department of Defense has reportedly indicated that a U.S. missile strike may have been responsible for the devastating explosion that destroyed a primary school in Iran, killing more than 170 children.
The deadly incident occurred at Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, where a powerful blast tore through the building during a wave of bombardments in the region.
Early Findings from the Investigation
According to initial findings from the Pentagon’s review, investigators believe the weapon involved was likely a Tomahawk cruise missile, a long-range precision missile commonly used by American naval forces.
If confirmed, the conclusion would challenge earlier remarks made by Donald Trump, who previously suggested that Iranian forces could have been responsible for the explosion. Officials at the White House have so far declined to comment in detail, stating that the inquiry is still ongoing.
Independent Analysts Examine Footage
Researchers from the investigative group Bellingcat reviewed video footage recorded on the day of the tragedy. The brief clip shows what appears to be a projectile descending toward a structure inside the school compound before a large explosion sends thick smoke rising into the sky.
One of the organisation’s analysts, Trevor Ball, used geolocation techniques to match the footage to the area surrounding the school. Additional satellite imagery helped reconstruct the timeline of strikes in the area, suggesting the school was hit amid a rapid sequence of bombardments.
The findings were later supported by further analysis conducted by the Associated Press.
U.S. Military Activity in the Region
During the conflict, the United States Central Command confirmed that American forces had launched Tomahawk missiles at several targets. Images released by the military showed the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111) firing one of the weapons while operating alongside the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its strike group in regional waters.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether any of those launches were connected to the school strike.
Concerns Over Possible War Crime
International law specialists warn that if the attack did indeed hit a civilian school, the incident could represent a serious breach of the laws of war. According to Janina Dill of the University of Oxford, even a mistaken strike on a civilian educational facility could amount to a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Witnesses Describe Second Blast
Volunteers from the Iranian Red Crescent Society who responded to the scene said the tragedy may have involved what is known as a “double strike,” where a second explosion follows the initial blast.
Emergency responders said teachers attempted to move children to a prayer hall after the first explosion. Moments later, another blast struck the area, causing further casualties among those who had sought shelter.
In the city of Minab, grieving families later gathered for large funeral ceremonies to honour the young victims, turning the attack into one of the most tragic incidents of the ongoing conflict.
