Trump asked if US bombed school: It was Iran

Trump asked if US bombed school: It was Iran

U.S. officials have not confirmed whether American forces bombed an elementary school in southern Iran that killed over 170 people, including children, during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Pentagon is investigating the incident but emphasized, "We never target civilian targets" according to Pentagon officials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly deferred accountability, asserting, "the Department of War is investigating this matter" while accusing Iran of targeting civilians as reported.

Satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports indicate the school, Shajareh Tayyebeh, was located near a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base, raising questions about whether the strike targeted a military site. Jeffrey Lewis, a satellite imagery expert, noted the school's proximity to the base and suggested the attack could have been intentional or a misidentification of targets according to analysis. U.S. officials briefed to the investigation told Reuters that military analysts believe U.S. forces are likely responsible but have not finalized conclusions according to Reuters.

Iranian officials and state media blame the U.S., with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating, "the school was hit by Americans," though no evidence was provided according to state media. The United Nations has called for an independent inquiry, with UNESCO condemning the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law according to UN reports. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that American forces "would not deliberately target a school" as stated.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of civilian casualties in the conflict and raised concerns about accountability. With investigations ongoing, the lack of clarity underscores the risks of collateral damage in complex military operations and the potential for diplomatic fallout according to ongoing investigations.