US Investigation Into Strike on Iranian School Nears Completion

The investigation into the US attack on a girls’ school in the Iranian city of Minab is nearing completion, according to the US military command. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, told Congress that the case was particularly complex because the school was located directly beside an active Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base used for cruise missiles.

A preliminary internal US military investigation suggested the strike was likely carried out by the United States. According to the findings, planners may have relied on outdated intelligence.

The incident took place on 28 February, the first day of the conflict. Iranian authorities say more than 175 children and teachers were killed in the strike. The Pentagon has not officially acknowledged responsibility and has since expanded the investigation.

Congressman Adam Smith noted that the Pentagon had previously admitted responsibility for erroneous strikes before investigations were completed.

Cooper argued that the present case was different. He said the school had been located next to IRGC facilities and stressed that the US military never intentionally targets civilians. He added that the armed forces were strictly following the law of war.

Iran has rejected the US allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described Washington’s claims as “baseless fabrication” and said the strike on the school during class hours constituted a serious violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime.

(reuters, mja)