President Trump accused Iran of the February 28, 2026, bombing that destroyed Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, killing around 175 people—mostly children aged 7-12—while a U.S. investigation continues.
Incident Overview
The strike hit during school hours amid early U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, coinciding with operations near an IRGC naval base 600 meters away; Iranian media reported 168-180 deaths, including students, teachers, and parents trapped in rubble.
U.S. and Iranian Claims
Aboard Air Force One post-Dover ceremony, Trump called it Iranian work due to their “inaccurate” munitions, with Secretary Pete Hegseth stating “only Iran targets civilians.” Iran blamed the U.S. and Israel. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stressed no conclusions yet and that the U.S. does not target civilians, rebutting Reuters/WSJ reports citing U.S. sources suggesting American involvement.
Ongoing Probe
Gen. Dan Caine confirmed U.S. strikes in southern Iran via the USS Abraham Lincoln group; CENTCOM’s Capt. Tim Hawkins noted serious review of civilian casualty reports. Analyses indicate possible U.S. responsibility tied to the nearby base, with UN experts condemning the attack on a protected civilian site.
