A devastating explosion that destroyed a girls’ school in southern Iran and reportedly killed 168 people — many of them children — is now the focus of a growing international investigation, as early intelligence assessments suggest the United States may have been responsible for the strike.
According to officials familiar with the preliminary findings, U.S. intelligence analysts believe it is “likely” the American military carried out the bombing, though investigators do not believe the school itself was intentionally targeted. Instead, early indications suggest the strike may have resulted from outdated or inaccurate intelligence that incorrectly identified the area as part of an Iranian military site, sources told CBS News.
The deadly blast occurred Feb. 28 in the city of Minab, located in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province. Iranian state media reported that the building struck was Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school, where students — many between the ages of 7 and 12 — were attending classes. Saturdays are part of the regular school week in Iran.
Authorities say 168 people were killed, including dozens of young girls, teachers and school staff. A list published by officials in Minab county identified 57 victims by name, and analysis by Human Rights Watch indicated that at least 48 of those listed appear to be children based on their birthdates, according to the report.
Video footage from the scene captured thick black smoke rising from the damaged building, which had colorful murals depicting school-themed images such as crayons, apples and drawings associated with children. Investigators from the CBS News verification team were able to geolocate the footage to the school building in Minab (Brennan, Gazis & Schick, CBS News, March 9, 2026).
One key element shaping the investigation is the presence of nearby Iranian military sites. The school was located close to two locations controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which may have contributed to the mistaken targeting.
Officials familiar with the inquiry say U.S. forces were operating in the area at the time, while Israeli military forces were not. Israeli government sources also told CBS News that Israel had no involvement in the strike and that its military was not conducting operations near the school.
Despite the emerging intelligence assessment, U.S. officials stress that the investigation remains ongoing and no final determination has been made.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, stating that it is “irresponsible and false” to claim definitive responsibility before investigators complete their review.
The incident has also sparked conflicting statements from U.S. leaders. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump suggested the bombing might have been carried out by Iran itself, claiming Iranian munitions are often inaccurate. However, both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command have declined to support that claim publicly while the investigation continues.
In an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. military does not intentionally target civilians and reiterated that officials are still reviewing the evidence.
As investigators continue to analyze intelligence and operational data, the tragedy in Minab has become a deeply sensitive issue internationally — raising questions about wartime intelligence, accountability, and the devastating toll conflicts can take on civilians.
