US likely killed 168 Iranian students due to 'outdated intelligence'
What's the story
A United States military strike on February 28 hit an elementary school in Minab, Iran, which the state media claimed killed at least 168 children and 14 teachers. Two sources briefed on the preliminary findings of an ongoing military investigation told CNN that preliminary investigations suggest that outdated intelligence from the Defense Intelligence Agency led to the error. The strike occurred while the US military was conducting strikes on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility, initial investigation found.
Evidence review
Target coordinates did not reflect changes in school
According to CNN sources, US Central Command used outdated information provided by the Defense Intelligence Agency to create target coordinates for the strike. Satellite images from 2013 show the school and IRGC base were part of the same compound. By 2016, a fence had separated them, and a separate entrance to the school was built. In December 2025, imagery showed people in the school's courtyard. These changes were not reflected in target coordinates created by Central Command.
Investigation status
Military investigators believe strike was likely conducted by US
Reuters first reported that military investigators believe the strike was likely conducted by the US. Video evidence geolocated by CNN shows a munition consistent with an American Tomahawk Land Attack Missile hitting inside the IRGC base, with smoke visible from Shajareh Tayyiba school. Tomahawk missiles are launched from the US Navy's surface ships and submarines. Experts say Israel does not operate Tomahawks.
Official response
Defense secretary promises thorough investigation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has promised a "thorough" investigation into the strike, adding the US has "attempted in every way possible to avoid civilian casualties." If confirmed, the attack on the school would be one of the worst civilian casualties in US conflicts in the Middle East. Deliberately targeting a school or hospital is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.