By John Umeh
A preliminary investigation by the United States Department of Defense has reportedly determined that a missile strike which devastated a school in Iran — leaving more than 170 children dead — was likely carried out by the United States.
The attack targeted Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, where a powerful explosion tore through the compound and caused catastrophic casualties among students and staff.
Investigation Points to Tomahawk Missile
According to early findings from the Pentagon review, the weapon believed to have struck the school was a Tomahawk cruise missile, a long-range precision weapon used by U.S. naval forces.
The conclusion contradicts earlier remarks by Donald Trump, who had suggested that Iran might have been responsible for the blast. The White House has not directly confirmed the findings, stating only that the investigation is still ongoing.
Independent Analysts Examine Evidence
Investigators from the open-source research group Bellingcat examined video footage recorded on the day of the attack. The footage shows a projectile descending toward a building within the school compound before exploding and sending thick black smoke into the sky.
Bellingcat researcher Trevor Ball analysed the images and geolocated the strike near the school. Satellite imagery was also used to reconstruct the sequence of bombardments, suggesting the campus was hit during a rapid series of strikes in the area.
The findings were later supported by analysis conducted by the Associated Press.
U.S. Military Activity in the Region
The United States Central Command has acknowledged firing Tomahawk missiles during the conflict. Photographs released by the military showed the destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111) launching one of the missiles while operating as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) carrier strike group in regional waters.
However, officials have not confirmed whether any of those launches were connected to the strike on the school.
Legal Concerns Raised
Legal experts say the incident could raise serious questions under international law. According to Janina Dill of the University of Oxford, attacking a civilian facility such as a school — even if believed to be near a military target — may constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Witness Accounts Describe Second Explosion
Responders from the Iranian Red Crescent Society said the attack may have involved what is known as a “double-tap” strike, where a second explosion follows the first, hitting survivors or rescuers.
According to witnesses, after the initial blast struck the school, teachers rushed children into a prayer hall in an attempt to shield them from danger. Moments later, a second explosion hit the area, causing even greater devastation.
In the city of Minab, grieving families have since held mass funerals for the victims, many of whom were very young students. The tragedy has intensified international scrutiny of the conflict and renewed calls for accountability.
