The U.S. has initiated a formal investigation into a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, which resulted in the deaths of at least 165 civilians, including numerous children. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the preliminary assessment points to U.S. involvement in the strike. The investigation is expected to take several months and will involve interviews with military planners, commanders, and personnel who executed the operation.
### Background of the Incident
The deadly attack occurred on February 28, 2026, and has drawn significant attention due to the scale of civilian casualties. If U.S. responsibility is confirmed, it would represent one of the most catastrophic incidents involving civilian deaths conducted by American forces in recent history. This situation has provoked criticism regarding the U.S. military’s operational protocols and its commitment to civilian protection in conflict zones.
Historically, Congress had established a specialized Pentagon office designed to mitigate civilian casualties during military operations, but recent cuts—implemented by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth—have diminished this office’s capabilities. Hegseth’s reductions raised concerns among officials and military analysts regarding the adequacy of measures meant to protect civilians.
### Official Responses
In light of the tragedy, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly asserted, “This investigation is ongoing. Unlike the terrorist Iranian regime, the United States does not target civilians.” However, the Pentagon did not provide a comment in response to inquiries about the incident.
The strike reportedly used precision munitions, including Tomahawk missiles, and was characterized as part of a broader campaign involving U.S. military assets. Iranian state media later released images of missile fragments in the vicinity of the destroyed school, further complicating the narrative surrounding the attack. Military experts have stated that Tomahawk missiles are exclusively utilized by a limited number of countries, primarily the United States, which adds to the scrutiny on U.S. military actions in the region.
### Claims and Contradictions
During a press conference following the missile strike, President Trump suggested foreign involvement, stating that the Tomahawk missiles were generic. However, expert analysts noted that no Iranian missile appears to match the characteristics of the weapon shown in recent footage. N.R. Jenzen-Jones, a director at Armament Research Services, remarked, “It’s likely a strike that’s gone wrong,” attributing potential blame to an intelligence failure during the targeting process.
The missile attack is not isolated; it is part of a series of civilian casualties that have raised alarm within international communities and human rights advocates. Despite efforts to mitigate risks through the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response initiative, which was created under the Biden administration, these functions have been substantially reduced under Hegseth’s leadership. The sessions aimed to ensure that military targets are appropriately assessed to avoid harm to civilians, a point emphasized by numerous experts and legal scholars.
### Implications for Military Operations
Concerns regarding civilian safety in military operations have been highlighted by experts, including Oona Hathaway, a professor of International Law at Yale Law School. “A modern army has to fight according to the law, and the law requires that you protect civilians,” she stated, echoing frustrations about the prioritization of civilian protection within military planning.
The severe cuts made to operational teams working on civilian safety—decreased by nearly 90%—imply that the oversight needed to accurately and ethically conduct military operations has been significantly compromised. Reports suggest that the U.S. Central Command has only one staff member dedicated to civilian casualty mitigation, placing significant constraints on operation planning and execution.
### Conclusion
The investigation into the Minab strike comes at a time when U.S. military operations are being closely scrutinized for their impact on civilian populations. With ongoing tensions in the region, this incident could have profound implications not only for U.S. military practices but also for international relations and humanitarian law. As the inquiry progresses, it may bring to light critical issues regarding accountability and the importance of adhering to protocols that ensure the safety of non-combatants in conflict situations.
Source: Original Reporting
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