U.S. Involved in Iranian School Bombing, Investigation Reveals

A preliminary military investigation has pointed to the United States’ involvement in the bombing of an elementary school in Iran, according to a report from The New York Times. The incident occurred on February 28 when a Tomahawk cruise missile struck Shajara Tayebeh Elementary School, resulting in the deaths of at least 175 individuals, including children. Sources indicate that the bombing was likely due to a miscalculation by U.S. forces targeting a nearby Iranian military base.

The report reveals that personnel from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) used outdated intelligence from the Defense Intelligence Agency to determine strike coordinates. This error labeled the school as a military target when the information was passed on to CENTCOM.

Investigators are currently trying to understand how this mistake occurred, especially since multiple agencies were involved in verifying the accuracy of the information. They are exploring possibilities, including whether artificial intelligence systems or data processing programs contributed to the erroneous targeting. However, there’s a prevailing suspicion that human error was the primary factor.

Interestingly, the U.S. is the sole country using Tomahawk missiles in the conflict with Iran.

The Pentagon has confirmed that the incident is still “under investigation.” Satellite images appear to confirm that the school was hit as a result of a precision strike, which coincided with the missile attack on the naval base; around two hours later, that site was attacked again.

President Donald Trump expressed belief that Iran was responsible for the school bombing, although Army Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that the investigation was ongoing. During a news briefing, Trump stated he would abide by the findings of the investigation, even if it implicates the U.S.

On Air Force One, Trump remarked, “In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran. Their weapons are very inaccurate.” When asked by a reporter about the recent findings shortly before his departure to Ohio and Kentucky, he responded, “I don’t know about that.”

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt reiterated that the investigation is still active, aligning with Trump’s statement that he would accept the conclusions, whichever way they lean.