Iranian School Bombing Raises Targeting Questions

A girls' school in Minab, Iran, was destroyed on February 28, the first day of the war, resulting in the deaths of 150 to 175 students, according to Iranian officials. A Reuters investigation revealed the Shajareh Tayyebeh School had a significant online presence, including photos and a local business listing, and was located adjacent to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) compound.

The incident raises questions about the U.S. military's targeting processes, with Defense Department investigators suggesting U.S.

forces were likely responsible and may have used outdated targeting data.

The school, separated from the military compound by a mural-painted wall, was the northernmost of at least seven buildings struck along a 325-meter axis. Satellite imagery analysis indicated the use of multiple munitions, including at least one American Tomahawk cruise missile. The Pentagon has initiated an investigation but declined to comment on the school's online visibility or the targeting decision. Experts suggest the U.S. Central Command may have relied on outdated target lists.

The Shajareh Tayyebeh School was part of a network affiliated with the IRGC, with some schools, including this one, listing addresses near IRGC-controlled locations. The strikes in Minab were localized, suggesting specific targeting rather than a broad campaign. The incident highlights potential deficiencies in the review and validation of strike locations by military forces.