US Investigates Missile Strike on Iranian School, Suspects US Fault

A formal U.S. Investigation is underway following a preliminary assessment indicating that a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026, was the result of a U.S. Weapon. At least 165 civilians were killed in the strike, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for escalation in the region. The investigation, expected to take months, will involve interviews with all personnel involved in the planning and execution of the operation.

The city of Minab is located in Hormozgan province, southern Iran, along the coast of the Sea of Oman. According to Wikipedia, it serves as the capital of both Minab County and the Central District, and is the second-largest city in the province. The area is known for its agricultural production, including citrus fruits, dates, and tomatoes. The school struck was reportedly part of a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard naval base, though it had been walled off from the base itself sometime between 2013 and 2016, according to historical satellite imagery.

Precision Weapons and Initial Findings

NPR was the first news organization to report that the strike appeared to involve precision weapons. Subsequent video released by Iranian state media indicated the employ of Tomahawk missiles. Images circulating in Iranian media as well purportedly show components of Tomahawk missiles recovered from the site. As NPR reported, only a limited number of countries have access to these U.S.-made missiles, and the U.S. Is the sole user in the current conflict.

President Trump has suggested that Iran or another country may have been responsible, characterizing Tomahawk missiles as “highly generic.” Still, military analysts have countered this claim, stating that no Iranian missile resembles the one seen in the video footage.

Civilian Harm Mitigation Efforts and Recent Changes

The potential U.S. Role in this incident raises serious questions about civilian casualty mitigation efforts. Congress previously mandated the Pentagon to reduce civilian harm through a 2019 law, leading to the creation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response initiative under the Biden administration. This initiative aimed to integrate civilian protection considerations into target planning, identify “no-strike” locations like schools and religious sites, and promote the use of precision munitions.

However, as NPR reported last year, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dramatically scaled back these efforts upon taking office. The number of staff dedicated to civilian casualty mitigation within U.S. Central Command was reduced to just one, and funding for related analytical work was shifted to individual military commands.

The U.S. Official who spoke to NPR indicated that this reduction in resources may have contributed to the incident, suggesting that the outdated target lists may not have reflected the school’s changed status. The school had been separated from the former naval base for several years, and a public health clinic on the site, also struck in the attack, had been operating openly since 2025.

Satellite Imagery and the Scope of the Damage

Satellite imagery reviewed by NPR reveals the extent of the damage caused by the strike. The imagery shows that the strike was more extensive than initially reported, impacting not only the school but also the nearby public health clinic. The clinic had been opened in 2025, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who was later assassinated by Israel.

What Comes Next: Investigation and Potential Implications

The Pentagon investigation will be crucial in determining the precise circumstances surrounding the strike and assigning responsibility. The investigation is expected to be thorough, involving interviews with all involved personnel. The findings could have significant implications for U.S. Policy in the region and for the future of civilian casualty mitigation efforts.

The incident also highlights the complexities of modern warfare and the challenges of minimizing civilian harm in conflict zones. The use of precision weapons does not guarantee the absence of civilian casualties, and accurate, up-to-date intelligence is essential for effective targeting. The scaling back of civilian harm mitigation teams, as reported by NPR, raises concerns about whether sufficient resources were allocated to ensure that these principles were being followed.

The outcome of the investigation will likely prompt a review of U.S. Targeting procedures and a reassessment of the resources dedicated to civilian casualty prevention. It may also lead to calls for greater transparency and accountability in military operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of prioritizing civilian protection.

NPR’s RAD team contributed to this report.