Trump blames Iran for school strike as investigators point to US bomb
Trump blames Iran for school strike as investigators point to US bomb following a devastating attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran that reportedly killed at least 175 people, many of them children. The deadly school strike occurred on 28 February in the town of Minab and has quickly become one of the most controversial incidents in the ongoing tensions across the Middle East.
While former US president Donald Trump has insisted that Iran was responsible for the bombing, emerging investigations and satellite analysis suggest the possibility that a US bomb may have struck the building during American military operations in the area.
The conflicting narratives have intensified debate internationally as officials and investigators attempt to determine what really happened.
Trump insists Iran carried out the school strike
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump strongly rejected suggestions that the United States might be responsible for the tragic incident.
“No. In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran,” Trump said, blaming Iranian weapons accuracy for the tragedy.
Trump claimed that Iran’s military munitions are often inaccurate, suggesting that the school strike could have been caused by a misfired Iranian missile.
“They have no accuracy whatsoever,” he told journalists.
Standing behind Trump during the remarks was US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed that an investigation into the incident was ongoing. Hegseth reiterated the administration’s stance that Iranian forces frequently target civilians, although he acknowledged that the origins of the attack were still being reviewed.
Investigators examine evidence pointing to US bomb
Despite Trump’s assertion that Iran carried out the attack, investigative findings published by The New York Times suggest that the school may have been hit during a United States airstrike targeting a nearby military site. According to analysis by the newspaper, satellite imagery, verified videos and social media posts show that the explosion occurred at nearly the same time as US military strikes on a nearby naval facility.
The base is reportedly operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a key military branch of the Iranian government. The Pentagon had previously confirmed that it was carrying out strikes against that naval base during the same time period.
Investigators studying the imagery observed large plumes of smoke rising simultaneously from both the military base and the nearby school building, suggesting the strikes may have occurred in the same attack sequence.
Timeline of the deadly school strike
Reports indicate the attack took place around 11:30 a.m. local time on February 28.
Social media posts and video footage from witnesses began appearing online shortly after the strike.
Using geolocation technology, analysts were able to verify that the videos were recorded in Minab and that the smoke clouds corresponded to both the military base and the school.
Satellite photographs ordered by investigators appear to show multiple precision strikes hitting the surrounding area during that time window.
However, the absence of visible weapon fragments has made it difficult to conclusively determine which side carried out the attack.
US officials remain cautious about conclusions
Despite Trump’s confident claims blaming Iran, other US officials have been more cautious about assigning responsibility. Michael Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, declined to fully support Trump’s statement during an interview on ABC’s “This Week.”
“I’ll leave that to the investigators to determine,” Waltz said.
He emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and that conclusions should not be drawn before all evidence is reviewed. Waltz also acknowledged that military operations sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
“As a veteran, in no uncertain terms, the United States does everything it can to avoid civilian casualties,” he said.
“Sometimes, of course, tragic mistakes occur.”
Analysts suggest possible target misidentification
Military experts studying the evidence have suggested that the school strike could have been the result of target misidentification during a US bombing mission. Wes J. Bryant, a national security analyst and former adviser on civilian harm at the Pentagon, told investigators that the most likely explanation involves an operational error.
Bryant explained that those conducting the strike may have mistaken the school building for part of the nearby Iranian military facility. Such mistakes, though rare, can occur during fast-moving air operations, particularly in densely populated areas.
Bryant said investigators would need access to weapons fragments and classified military data to reach a definitive conclusion.
Why the school was near a military target
The town of Minab is located near several Iranian naval installations connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These sites have been key targets during the escalating conflict involving the United States, Iran and regional allies.
The Middle East conflict intensified after the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iranian military infrastructure earlier in the year. Iran has since retaliated by targeting US assets and allied countries hosting American military forces.
This expanding confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional war in the Middle East.
Difficulty verifying the exact cause
Determining who carried out the school strike has been complicated by the difficulty of accessing the site. Independent journalists and international investigators have been unable to reach the area due to security restrictions and ongoing military activity.
Without physical evidence such as missile fragments or bomb debris, experts say a definitive conclusion may remain elusive. Satellite imagery and video verification provide strong clues, but they cannot fully replace forensic analysis on the ground.
International concern over civilian casualties
The deaths of at least 175 civilians, including schoolchildren, have triggered widespread international concern. Human rights groups have called for a transparent investigation into the attack, warning that accountability is essential to prevent future civilian casualties.
The incident has also intensified political tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility. As the investigation continues, the debate over whether the school strike was caused by Iran or a US bomb remains one of the most sensitive controversies of the current conflict.
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Ongoing investigation into the Iran school strike
For now, the tragedy in Minab highlights the devastating human cost of modern warfare. As investigators continue to examine evidence from the scene, pressure is growing on governments to release more information about military operations conducted in the region.
Whether the attack was caused by Iranian weapons or a mistaken US strike, the incident has become a powerful reminder of the risks civilians face during conflicts in the Middle East. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with officials hoping that further satellite imagery, intelligence reports and witness testimony may eventually reveal the truth behind the deadly school strike.
References
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Trump says he believes bombing of Iranian girls’ school was “done by Iran” — CBS News.
Coverage of Donald Trump blaming Iran for the deadly school strike while officials say the attack is still under investigation. -
US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike, sources say — Reuters.
Reports that early US military investigations suggest American forces were likely responsible for the strike on a girls’ school in Minab.
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