A United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran said on Thursday (Sep 17) that it has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that US forces were responsible for two military strikes in Iran in February that amounted to war crimes, including a deadly attack on a primary school. The mission said the strikes targeted a school in Minab and a sports facility in Lamerd. Its findings are part of a report that will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The mission also found that the Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown against anti-government protests.The strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children, according to Iranian officials. The UN mission said the school was a clearly identifiable civilian site and found no evidence that it was being used for military purposes.It concluded that the attack was indiscriminate and caused civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure. The mission also said the failure to update targeting information and confirm the school was a military objective went beyond mere negligence.The report said: “Rather, the US directed the strikes at the building of the school while being aware of a substantial risk of striking a civilian object and acting recklessly as regards the possibility that this would happen.”The mission reached a similar conclusion about a strike on a sports centre in Lamerd, saying it damaged nearby homes and a school and killed or injured 22 civilians. US Central Command had previously said American forces did not conduct strikes in Lamerd on that day.<h2>Iran accused of crimes against humanity</h2>The UN mission also examined Iran’s response to anti-government protests that began in late December. It found what it described as a widespread and systematic attack on civilians, involving unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression.The mission said it could not independently verify the reported death toll but believed the number killed and injured was likely significantly higher than official figures of 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries.The report said the government’s response, including killings, internet shutdowns and use of the death penalty, represented a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent.UN fact-finding missions are investigative rather than judicial bodies. Their findings do not themselves launch criminal cases but can potentially be used in investigations by national courts or international tribunals.

A UN probe found “reasonable grounds” to believe US strikes in Iran amounted to war crimes, including the deadly Minab school attack. It also accused Iran of crimes against humanity.

A United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran said on Thursday (Sep 17) that it has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that US forces were responsible for two military strikes in Iran in February that amounted to war crimes, including a deadly attack on a primary school. The mission said the strikes targeted a school in Minab and a sports facility in Lamerd. Its findings are part of a report that will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The mission also found that the Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown against anti-government protests. The strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children, according to Iranian officials. The UN mission said the school was a clearly identifiable civilian site and found no evidence that it was being used for military purposes. It concluded that the attack was indiscriminate and caused civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure. The mission also said the failure to update targeting information and confirm the school was a military objective went beyond mere negligence. The report said: “Rather, the US directed the strikes at the building of the school while being aware of a substantial risk of striking a civilian object and acting recklessly as regards the possibility that this would happen.” The mission reached a similar conclusion about a strike on a sports centre in Lamerd, saying it damaged nearby homes and a school and killed or injured 22 civilians. US Central Command had previously said American forces did not conduct strikes in Lamerd on that day. Iran accused of crimes against humanity The UN mission also examined Iran’s response to anti-government protests that began in late December. It found what it described as a widespread and systematic attack on civilians, involving unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression. The mission said it could not independently verify the reported death toll but believed the number killed and injured was likely significantly higher than official figures of 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries. The report said the government’s response, including killings, internet shutdowns and use of the death penalty, represented a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent. UN fact-finding missions are investigative rather than judicial bodies. Their findings do not themselves launch criminal cases but can potentially be used in investigations by national courts or international tribunals.

A UN probe found “reasonable grounds” to believe US strikes in Iran amounted to war crimes, including the deadly Minab school attack. It also accused Iran of crimes against humanity.

Did US commit war crimes in Iran? UN probe flags deadly Minab school strike

Donald Trump has suggested that images of the Minab school bombing could be AI-generated. Speaking &nbsp;to Fox News anchor Trey Yingst, the American president said, "Y’know, I don’t think anybody’s ever going to be able to say what happened there." The anchor reminds him that "there are images from this site that show fragments that appear to be from a US Tomahawk missile." When asked, “Is it possible that old intelligence, or a mistake from a very active time in the war lead to this event?” Trump said, “It is, but it’s also possible that those images you have are AI-generated.”<h2>Photos showed Tomahawk pieces at school site</h2>The deadly bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Southern Iran killed 120 children, 26 teachers, and bystanders, triggering anger across the world. Photos showed fragments of the US Tomahawk missiles on the site, pointing to the US being involved. Several other pieces of evidence also point to America's involvement in the attack. A US official and another person who knew about the findings of a preliminary US military investigation into the incident said that old intel was the likely reason for the attack.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-military-always-acts-in-good-faith-trump-denies-us-role-in-minab-school-attack-wh-defends-him-1784230811330">‘Our military always acts in good faith’: Trump denies US role in Minab school attack, WH defends him</a>&nbsp;However, reconstruction of the school as a 3D model by Sky News and the publication Forensic Architecture showed the school had been there for years.&nbsp;In the interview, Trump said that he needs to "speak to the generals" to decide whether to release the findings of the investigation. He claimed that Iran could have used AI to make the images. "I know you’re waiting for a conclusive report, but I don’t think there can be a conclusive report," he said.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-threatens-uk-airbase-after-us-strikes-raf-fairford-faces-warning-as-middle-east-war-escalates-1784862747292/embed<h2>Trump's strange statements on Minab school bombing</h2>Trump has been criticised for taking responsibility for the attack that killed young boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years. Days after the attack, he pinned the blame on Iran, saying Iranian munitions were inaccurate. However, independent analyses, geolocation of videos, and recovered missile debris with serial numbers from US defence contractors quickly contradicted this.&nbsp;&nbsp;The weapons used were identified as Tomahawk cruise missiles. Recently, he even said that "mistakes are made" and "nobody did that on purpose." He questioned why reporters were asking about an event that happened a "long time ago".

Donald Trump has claimed that the photos of the Minab school bombing site could have been artificially made by Iran. He made the assertion in a Fox interview, adding that there might never be a conclusive report on the incident.

Donald Trump has suggested that images of the Minab school bombing could be AI-generated. Speaking to Fox News anchor Trey Yingst, the American president said, "Y’know, I don’t think anybody’s ever going to be able to say what happened there." The anchor reminds him that "there are images from this site that show fragments that appear to be from a US Tomahawk missile." When asked, “Is it possible that old intelligence, or a mistake from a very active time in the war lead to this event?” Trump said, “It is, but it’s also possible that those images you have are AI-generated.” Photos showed Tomahawk pieces at school site The deadly bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Southern Iran killed 120 children, 26 teachers, and bystanders, triggering anger across the world. Photos showed fragments of the US Tomahawk missiles on the site, pointing to the US being involved. Several other pieces of evidence also point to America's involvement in the attack. A US official and another person who knew about the findings of a preliminary US military investigation into the incident said that old intel was the likely reason for the attack. Also Read: ‘Our military always acts in good faith’: Trump denies US role in Minab school attack, WH defends him However, reconstruction of the school as a 3D model by Sky News and the publication Forensic Architecture showed the school had been there for years. In the interview, Trump said that he needs to "speak to the generals" to decide whether to release the findings of the investigation. He claimed that Iran could have used AI to make the images. "I know you’re waiting for a conclusive report, but I don’t think there can be a conclusive report," he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-threatens-uk-airbase-after-us-strikes-raf-fairford-faces-warning-as-middle-east-war-escalates-1784862747292/embed Trump's strange statements on Minab school bombing Trump has been criticised for taking responsibility for the attack that killed young boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years. Days after the attack, he pinned the blame on Iran, saying Iranian munitions were inaccurate. However, independent analyses, geolocation of videos, and recovered missile debris with serial numbers from US defence contractors quickly contradicted this. The weapons used were identified as Tomahawk cruise missiles. Recently, he even said that "mistakes are made" and "nobody did that on purpose." He questioned why reporters were asking about an event that happened a "long time ago".

Donald Trump has claimed that the photos of the Minab school bombing site could have been artificially made by Iran. He made the assertion in a Fox interview, adding that there might never be a conclusive report on the incident.

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he does not believe the United States was responsible for the deadly strike on a school in Iran during the opening day of the war, while acknowledging that the exact circumstances remain uncertain.&nbsp;Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump said, "I don't think it was us" when asked about the attack.&nbsp;The strike targeted a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28, according to Iranian state media. Iranian officials said the attack killed more than 175 children and teachers.&nbsp;Questioning allegations of US involvement, Trump pointed to the chaotic conditions that prevailed during the first day of the conflict.&nbsp;"It's horrible what happened, but there were missiles flying all over the place, and somebody said it was our missile, well, maybe it wasn't our missile. But I've seen nothing to lead me to believe it was," Trump told reporters at the White House.&nbsp;Trump then asked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to comment on the matter."Well, Mr President, we've taken the investigation very seriously, and when, when the appropriate time is right, whatever that outcome is, that'll be the time to divulge," Hegseth said.&nbsp;The United States has not accepted responsibility for the incident. Trump had earlier suggested that Iran itself may have been responsible because "they have no accuracy whatsoever" with their munitions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/commitment-for-commitment-iran-says-contradictory-us-statements-on-the-mou-are-fuelling-distrust-1782338849687">'Commitment for commitment': Iran says contradictory US statements on the MoU are fuelling 'distrust'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Pentagon's investigation remains ongoing. In May, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress that a "complex" probe was underway and that its findings would be made public once completed.&nbsp;The New York Times reported that the school was struck by a US Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon not possessed by Iran. CNN has also reported that the United States was responsible for the attack.&nbsp;The issue has also generated political controversy in Washington. House Democrats introduced impeachment proceedings against Hegseth following the strike, while Senate Democrats last week threatened to block his travel funding until he submits "unredacted civilian harm investigations," including those related to the Minab school attack.&nbsp;Iran has repeatedly highlighted the deaths of schoolchildren as part of its diplomatic outreach following the conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tehran officially named its negotiating delegation to Switzerland the "Minab 168" team and painted the slogan on the special government aircraft carrying President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to summits in Switzerland, Pakistan, Oman and India. &nbsp;

The strike hit a school in Iran's southern city of Minab on February 28, according to Iranian state media, with Iranian officials saying more than 175 children and teachers were killed in the attack.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he does not believe the United States was responsible for the deadly strike on a school in Iran during the opening day of the war, while acknowledging that the exact circumstances remain uncertain. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump said, "I don't think it was us" when asked about the attack. The strike targeted a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28, according to Iranian state media. Iranian officials said the attack killed more than 175 children and teachers. Questioning allegations of US involvement, Trump pointed to the chaotic conditions that prevailed during the first day of the conflict. "It's horrible what happened, but there were missiles flying all over the place, and somebody said it was our missile, well, maybe it wasn't our missile. But I've seen nothing to lead me to believe it was," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump then asked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to comment on the matter. "Well, Mr President, we've taken the investigation very seriously, and when, when the appropriate time is right, whatever that outcome is, that'll be the time to divulge," Hegseth said. The United States has not accepted responsibility for the incident. Trump had earlier suggested that Iran itself may have been responsible because "they have no accuracy whatsoever" with their munitions. Also Read: 'Commitment for commitment': Iran says contradictory US statements on the MoU are fuelling 'distrust' Meanwhile, the Pentagon's investigation remains ongoing. In May, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress that a "complex" probe was underway and that its findings would be made public once completed. The New York Times reported that the school was struck by a US Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon not possessed by Iran. CNN has also reported that the United States was responsible for the attack. The issue has also generated political controversy in Washington. House Democrats introduced impeachment proceedings against Hegseth following the strike, while Senate Democrats last week threatened to block his travel funding until he submits "unredacted civilian harm investigations," including those related to the Minab school attack. Iran has repeatedly highlighted the deaths of schoolchildren as part of its diplomatic outreach following the conflict. Tehran officially named its negotiating delegation to Switzerland the "Minab 168" team and painted the slogan on the special government aircraft carrying President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to summits in Switzerland, Pakistan, Oman and India.

The strike hit a school in Iran's southern city of Minab on February 28, according to Iranian state media, with Iranian officials saying more than 175 children and teachers were killed in the attack.

'I don't think it was us': Trump denies US role in deadly Iran school bombing

The Iranian delegation flying to Pakistan for peace talks with the United States didn't arrive on just any government aircraft. They came on a plane named "Minab-168," a deliberate reference to the 168 people, most of them young girls, killed when a missile struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab on February 28, day one of the Iran war. The delegations were also accompanied by pictures, and bloodied school bags and other effects of the victims of the Minab strike. Posting a heartbreaking picture of the "reminder," Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading Iran's delegation, wrote on X, "My companions on this flight".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">همراهان من در این پرواز<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Minab168?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Minab168</a> <a href="https://t.co/xvXmDlSDiF">pic.twitter.com/xvXmDlSDiF</a>&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2042713505238077480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-lie-lie-lie-iran-uses-inside-out-ai-satire-to-mock-trump-s-evil-impulses-amid-minab-school-strike-and-epstein-files-controversies-watch-1773374313730">'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran uses AI satire video to mock Trump's ‘Inside Out’ evil impulses amid Minab school strike &amp; Epstein files controversies | Watch</a><h2>Minab-168</h2>Iran's state broadcaster IRIB posted photographs from the flight on X with a pointed caption: “Passengers on the Iranian plane, to remind the delegation who they're negotiating for: The massacred Minab school children and their bloodied backpacks.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Passengers on the Iranian plane, to remind the delegation who they’re negotiating for: The massacred Minab school children and their blooded backpacks <a href="https://t.co/L8jtBqsjYd">pic.twitter.com/L8jtBqsjYd</a>&mdash; IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) <a href="https://twitter.com/iribnews_irib/status/2042790049528369522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Minab school strike became one of the most viscerally painful episodes of the conflict's early phase. Iranian authorities have held US forces responsible for the attack. American military officials have meanwhile suggested that the double tab strike may have been accidental, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming an investigation is underway. No findings have been made public.<h2>The symbolism of flight Minab-168</h2>The symbolism of the flight, and the deliberateness of it, sets a particular tone heading into negotiations that both sides have already publicly downplayed. Before boarding the long flight to Pakistan, US Vice President JD Vance, who is heading the American delegation, warned that "if they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-also-has-tomahawks-trump-confronted-by-reporters-as-he-floats-wild-theory-on-minab-school-strike-contradicts-pentagon-on-missile-use-1773120388711">'Iran also has Tomahawks': Trump confronted by reporters as he floats wild theory on Minab school strike, contradicts Pentagon</a>"If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand," Vance said.Iranian negotiators have signalled that meaningful progress will require broader movement, including a truce in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations are continuing despite the ceasefire. "We have good intentions, but we do not trust," Iranian state TV quoted Ghalibaf as saying upon his arrival in Pakistan's capital. "Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Why did Iran name its peace delegation's flight “Minab-168”? With Islamabad peace talks set to begin, Tehrab sends a haunting message tied to one of the deadliest moments of the Iran war.

Is this diplomacy, or a warning before negotiations even start?

Scroll down to read more.

The Iranian delegation flying to Pakistan for peace talks with the United States didn't arrive on just any government aircraft. They came on a plane named "Minab-168," a deliberate reference to the 168 people, most of them young girls, killed when a missile struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab on February 28, day one of the Iran war. The delegations were also accompanied by pictures, and bloodied school bags and other effects of the victims of the Minab strike. Posting a heartbreaking picture of the "reminder," Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading Iran's delegation, wrote on X, "My companions on this flight".

Why did Iran name its peace delegation's flight “Minab-168”? With Islamabad peace talks set to begin, Tehrab sends a haunting message tied to one of the deadliest moments of the Iran war.Is this diplomacy, or a warning before negotiations even start?Scroll down to read more.

Ghosts on the flight: Iran delegation travels aboard 'Minab-168'; Tehran uses tragic school strike to set the tone for Islamabad peace talks

Did the US attack yet another school in Iran, similar to the Minab strike, that too using missiles untested for warfare? A New York Times investigation report has claimed that the US military used a combat-untested Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, in a strike that hit an Iranian sports hall and an adjacent elementary school in Lamerd, southern Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Iran–US–Israel war. Iranian officials cited in media reports had stated that this strike, and others nearby in the city of Lamerd, killed at least 21 people including children.<h2>What the NYT report claims</h2>The NYT report on Sunday (Mar 29), citing weapons experts and visual analysis, claimed that a weapon “bearing the hallmarks of a newly developed US-made ballistic missile” was used in the attack that struck a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school near a military facility in southern Iran. The Times, as well as some other global media outlets, verified videos of two strikes in Lamerd, as well as aftermath footage from the attacks.The weapon’s features, explosions and damage are consistent with a short-range ballistic missile called the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, &nbsp;the NYT report said citing munitions experts.The sports hall in Lamerd was being used by a girls’ volleyball team at the time of the attack, according to reports. Of the 21 victims, there were two schoolgirls aged 10 and 11, and their volleyball coach, reports said.<h2>About the Precision Strike Missile allegedly used on the Iran school</h2>In use was a short-range ballistic missile developed by the US Army and Lockheed Martin.The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is designed to detonate just above its target and disperse small tungsten pellets outwards, the report said.Munitions experts matched the missile’s silhouette in flight videos, mid-air fireball, and pockmarked damage patterns from the pellets to the PrSM, it said.Videos that capture one strike, in a residential area about 900 feet from the sports hall and school, showed the weapon in flight, with a distinctive silhouette.“The missile erupts in a large fireball mid-air. Another video, filmed from a security camera directly across from the sports hall, shows the strike on the hall and adjacent school,” said the report.Photos of the aftermath showed that both sites were pockmarked with holes, apparently from the tungsten pellets.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-big-day-iran-strikes-war-oil-hormuz-escalation-1774853787077">Donald Trump says ‘big day in Iran’ claims key targets destroyed amid talks of diplomacy</a><h2>Iran as weapons testing ground? Pentagon is allegedly using untested missiles in Iran</h2>According to the report, the Pentagon used missiles untested in combat in the deadly attack that struck civilian sites near a military compound on February 28, including on Lamerd.&nbsp;The PrSM had only finished prototype testing in 2025 and had not been used in a war till the alleged attack.An unnamed US official told the NYT that the missile used in the Lamerd strike was indeed a PrSM.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed</a><h2>The newly revealed strike took place on the same day as the deadly Minab school strike</h2>The newly reported strike took place on the same day as the widely reported and condemned attack on a primary school in Minab, hundreds of miles away.&nbsp;It was revealed days later that a US Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the Minab strike, killing 175 people, mostly young schoolgirls.If confirmed, the Lamerd incident would be the second American strike on an Iranian school or civilian educational and sports facility on February 28.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-tehran-confirms-killing-of-guards-navy-commander-alireza-tangsiri-1774857239834">US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Iran military claims Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant</a><h2>Iranian military sites may have been the intended targets</h2>Both sites were apparently located near facilities belonging to the Iranian military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).&nbsp;It could have been a case of a missed target.The US has not officially confirmed or denied the alleged Lamerd attack at the time of writing.Earlier, the Pentagon had acknowledged using Tomahawks and other precision weapons in the broader campaign.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Reports are claiming that a US missile strike on a school in Iran used a new, untested missile 

Did the US attack yet another school in Iran, similar to the Minab strike, that too using missiles untested for warfare? A New York Times investigation report has claimed that the US military used a combat-untested Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, in a strike that hit an Iranian sports hall and an adjacent elementary school in Lamerd, southern Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Iran–US–Israel war. Iranian officials cited in media reports had stated that this strike, and others nearby in the city of Lamerd, killed at least 21 people including children. What the NYT report claims The NYT report on Sunday (Mar 29), citing weapons experts and visual analysis, claimed that a weapon “bearing the hallmarks of a newly developed US-made ballistic missile” was used in the attack that struck a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school near a military facility in southern Iran. The Times, as well as some other global media outlets, verified videos of two strikes in Lamerd, as well as aftermath footage from the attacks. The weapon’s features, explosions and damage are consistent with a short-range ballistic missile called the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, the NYT report said citing munitions experts. The sports hall in Lamerd was being used by a girls’ volleyball team at the time of the attack, according to reports. Of the 21 victims, there were two schoolgirls aged 10 and 11, and their volleyball coach, reports said. About the Precision Strike Missile allegedly used on the Iran school In use was a short-range ballistic missile developed by the US Army and Lockheed Martin. The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is designed to detonate just above its target and disperse small tungsten pellets outwards, the report said. Munitions experts matched the missile’s silhouette in flight videos, mid-air fireball, and pockmarked damage patterns from the pellets to the PrSM, it said. Videos that capture one strike, in a residential area about 900 feet from the sports hall and school, showed the weapon in flight, with a distinctive silhouette. “The missile erupts in a large fireball mid-air. Another video, filmed from a security camera directly across from the sports hall, shows the strike on the hall and adjacent school,” said the report. Photos of the aftermath showed that both sites were pockmarked with holes, apparently from the tungsten pellets. Also read: Donald Trump says ‘big day in Iran’ claims key targets destroyed amid talks of diplomacy Iran as weapons testing ground? Pentagon is allegedly using untested missiles in Iran According to the report, the Pentagon used missiles untested in combat in the deadly attack that struck civilian sites near a military compound on February 28, including on Lamerd. The PrSM had only finished prototype testing in 2025 and had not been used in a war till the alleged attack. An unnamed US official told the NYT that the missile used in the Lamerd strike was indeed a PrSM. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed The newly revealed strike took place on the same day as the deadly Minab school strike The newly reported strike took place on the same day as the widely reported and condemned attack on a primary school in Minab, hundreds of miles away. It was revealed days later that a US Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the Minab strike, killing 175 people, mostly young schoolgirls. If confirmed, the Lamerd incident would be the second American strike on an Iranian school or civilian educational and sports facility on February 28. Also read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Iran military claims Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant Iranian military sites may have been the intended targets Both sites were apparently located near facilities belonging to the Iranian military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It could have been a case of a missed target. The US has not officially confirmed or denied the alleged Lamerd attack at the time of writing. Earlier, the Pentagon had acknowledged using Tomahawks and other precision weapons in the broader campaign. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Reports are claiming that a US strike on a school in Iran used a new, untested missile. The strike happened the same day as 175 people were killed in another missile attack on a school in Minab.

US hit another Iranian school using a precision missile untested for war on the same day as Minab strike, claims report

At least 168 people, mostly schoolgirls aged between seven and 17, were killed when a missile struck an Iranian school in the first hours of the US–Israel strikes against Iran on February 28. A preliminary American military investigation suggested that the US was likely responsible for the strike that destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in the city of Minab. Could the attack, one of the deadliest civilian incidents of the early phase of the conflict, be considered a war crime? Here is how Minab school attack raises questions under international humanitarian law (IHL).<h2>Minab school attack: What happened?</h2>The strike took place during the morning hours, when students were attending classes. The building collapsed, trapping children and staff underneath the rubble.The school was reportedly located near a facility linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which may have been the intended target. Reports and analysis suggested that the strike may have involved a US Tomahawk cruise missile.According to early findings first reported in the media, the attack may have been the result of outdated intelligence that misidentified the site as a military compound.The bombing was widely condemned, with UNESCO and other international bodies noting that schools are protected civilian sites under the laws of war. They called for accountability if those protections were violated.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/initial-military-inquiry-finds-us-forces-responsible-for-strike-on-iran-school-that-killed-168-children-1773245071103">Initial military inquiry finds US forces responsible for strike on Iran school; cites outdated intelligence</a><h2>Minab school attack: What does the law of war say?</h2>The main legal framework applicable in this case is international humanitarian law (IHL), often referred to as the law of war, specifically the rules governing attacks during armed conflict. Many of these rules are contained in the Geneva Conventions and related customary international law.One of the core principles is ‘distinction’. Combatants must distinguish between military targets and civilian objects. Schools are considered ‘civilian objects’, unless they are being used for military purposes.Another principle is ‘proportionality’. An attack is unlawful if the expected civilian harm is excessive when weighed against the anticipated military advantage.The law also requires ‘precautions’ in attack. Parties to a conflict must take all feasible steps to verify targets and minimise civilian casualties.The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court's definitions of war crimes includes intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, including buildings dedicated to education.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/minab-school-bombing-did-ai-error-lead-to-bombing-of-iran-school-1773246548175/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/minab-school-bombing-did-ai-error-lead-to-bombing-of-iran-school-1773246548175/embed</a><h2>When would the Iranian school attack be considered a war crime?</h2>Although investigations are ongoing, the school strike could be considered a war crime depending on the findings of those inquiries.One key question is whether the school itself was intentionally targeted. If investigators determine that the school was deliberately attacked despite being known to be a civilian facility, it would likely constitute a clear war crime.Another possibility is that the intended target was a nearby military facility but the attack caused foreseeable civilian harm. In such a case, the strike could still be unlawful if the commanders involved failed to adequately consider the presence of a school and the expected civilian harm was disproportionate to the anticipated military advantage.A third scenario is a targeting error despite reasonable precautions. If the strike resulted from an honest mistake despite verification and precautionary measures, it may be difficult to legally establish it as a war crime.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-blames-iran-for-minab-school-bombing-but-his-press-secretary-says-we-re-investigating-who-said-what-1773210974497">US hiding truth behind Minab school bombing? Trump blames Iran but his press secretary says 'we're investigating'</a><h2>Minab could become a case study on how the world treats attacks on schools during war</h2>The Minab strike may become an important case study in how the international community responds to attacks on schools during armed conflict.During its war with Hamas in Gaza, Israel was accused of striking school buildings, though the circumstances of those incidents remain contested. Israeli authorities repeatedly argued that Hamas used civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, for military purposes. Whether similar arguments will emerge in the case of the Minab strike remains to be seen.Even if the attack was unintentional, the scale of civilian casualties, particularly among children, is deeply disturbing. It raises serious questions: how closely were targeting procedures followed? How reliable was the intelligence used? And what accountability mechanisms exist in modern high-technology warfare?Those questions are likely to shape the investigations and debates that follow.&nbsp;And answers are needed.

In the opening hours of US–Israel war with Iran, a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab killed over 160 people. Could this attack constitute a war crime under international law?

At least 168 people, mostly schoolgirls aged between seven and 17, were killed when a missile struck an Iranian school in the first hours of the US–Israel strikes against Iran on February 28. A preliminary American military investigation suggested that the US was likely responsible for the strike that destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in the city of Minab. Could the attack, one of the deadliest civilian incidents of the early phase of the conflict, be considered a war crime? Here is how Minab school attack raises questions under international humanitarian law (IHL). Minab school attack: What happened? The strike took place during the morning hours, when students were attending classes. The building collapsed, trapping children and staff underneath the rubble. The school was reportedly located near a facility linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which may have been the intended target. Reports and analysis suggested that the strike may have involved a US Tomahawk cruise missile. According to early findings first reported in the media, the attack may have been the result of outdated intelligence that misidentified the site as a military compound. The bombing was widely condemned, with UNESCO and other international bodies noting that schools are protected civilian sites under the laws of war. They called for accountability if those protections were violated. Also read: Initial military inquiry finds US forces responsible for strike on Iran school; cites outdated intelligence Minab school attack: What does the law of war say? The main legal framework applicable in this case is international humanitarian law (IHL), often referred to as the law of war, specifically the rules governing attacks during armed conflict. Many of these rules are contained in the Geneva Conventions and related customary international law. One of the core principles is ‘distinction’. Combatants must distinguish between military targets and civilian objects. Schools are considered ‘civilian objects’, unless they are being used for military purposes. Another principle is ‘proportionality’. An attack is unlawful if the expected civilian harm is excessive when weighed against the anticipated military advantage. The law also requires ‘precautions’ in attack. Parties to a conflict must take all feasible steps to verify targets and minimise civilian casualties. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court's definitions of war crimes includes intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, including buildings dedicated to education. https://www.wionews.com/videos/minab-school-bombing-did-ai-error-lead-to-bombing-of-iran-school-1773246548175/embed When would the Iranian school attack be considered a war crime? Although investigations are ongoing, the school strike could be considered a war crime depending on the findings of those inquiries. One key question is whether the school itself was intentionally targeted. If investigators determine that the school was deliberately attacked despite being known to be a civilian facility, it would likely constitute a clear war crime. Another possibility is that the intended target was a nearby military facility but the attack caused foreseeable civilian harm. In such a case, the strike could still be unlawful if the commanders involved failed to adequately consider the presence of a school and the expected civilian harm was disproportionate to the anticipated military advantage. A third scenario is a targeting error despite reasonable precautions. If the strike resulted from an honest mistake despite verification and precautionary measures, it may be difficult to legally establish it as a war crime. Also read: US hiding truth behind Minab school bombing? Trump blames Iran but his press secretary says 'we're investigating' Minab could become a case study on how the world treats attacks on schools during war The Minab strike may become an important case study in how the international community responds to attacks on schools during armed conflict. During its war with Hamas in Gaza, Israel was accused of striking school buildings, though the circumstances of those incidents remain contested. Israeli authorities repeatedly argued that Hamas used civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, for military purposes. Whether similar arguments will emerge in the case of the Minab strike remains to be seen. Even if the attack was unintentional, the scale of civilian casualties, particularly among children, is deeply disturbing. It raises serious questions: how closely were targeting procedures followed? How reliable was the intelligence used? And what accountability mechanisms exist in modern high-technology warfare? Those questions are likely to shape the investigations and debates that follow. And answers are needed.

In the opening hours of US–Israel war with Iran, a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab killed over 160 people. Could this attack constitute a war crime under international law?

Iran war Minab school strike: Could it be considered a war crime? What the law says

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 10) stepped up its anti-Trump rhetoric with a cartoon of the US President Donald Trump grinning monstrously while standing amid a pile of bloodied school bags. The cartoon was posted by the X account of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (assassination confirmed March 1) along with a cryptic message that when translated from Persian to English simply reads "Nobel Cannibal". This comes amid reports that a American fired Tomahawk cruise missile was responsible for the death and destruction at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-epic-fury-s-darkest-day-us-investigation-points-to-america-s-role-in-minab-girls-school-massacre-shajareh-tayyebeh-girls-school-iran-1772782378596">Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school</a> in Minab, on Feb 28, the first day of the ongoing Iran war. Here's all we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-also-has-tomahawks-trump-confronted-by-reporters-as-he-floats-wild-theory-on-minab-school-strike-contradicts-pentagon-on-missile-use-1773120388711">'Iran also has Tomahawks': Trump confronted by reporters as he floats wild theory on Minab school strike, contradicts Pentagon</a><h2>What does the ghastly Trump cartoon show?</h2>The cartoon depicts US President Donald Trump as a monstrous figure with pointed teeth, holding a Nobel Peace Prize medal, with a background of scattered school backpacks and rubble from the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab. It is black and white except for stark red blood splatters that seem to cover the school bags that lay at the US President's feet.The Graphic illustration also has a caption written at the bottom of the image which emphasises the civilian toll of Operation Epic Fury. Labelling Trump a “pedophile and terrorist” it calls the alleged US strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab an “unprecedented crime in contemporary history”. It states that “168 innocent girls from an elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, were martyred by a direct missile fired by the pedophile and terrorist American President Donald Trump.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-expel-us-israeli-ambassadors-irgc-offers-full-freedom-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-arab-european-nations-on-one-condition-1773107488099">'Expel US &amp; Israeli ambassadors': IRGC offers 'full freedom' in Strait of Hormuz to Arab, European nations on one condition</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260311/image-1773197128915.png"></figure>

<h2>Trump's wild Tomahawk theory</h2>Just a day earlier, POTUS Trump floated a theory that Iran itself possesses Tomahawk cruise missiles suspected in the attack. Speaking at his Doral resort in Florida, Trump denied US responsibility for the Feb 28 tragedy at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-epic-fury-s-darkest-day-us-investigation-points-to-america-s-role-in-minab-girls-school-massacre-shajareh-tayyebeh-girls-school-iran-1772782378596">Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school</a> in Minab. He suggested that the missile could have been used by another nation, including Iran, while adding that the incident was still under investigation. "Tomahawk, which is one of the most powerful weapons around, is sold and used by other countries," said Trump.“And whether it's Iran, who also has some Tomahawks, they wish they had more, but, whether it's Iran or somebody else, the fact that a Tomahawk -- a Tomahawk is very generic, it's sold to other countries. But that's being investigated right now,” he said. The attack reportedly killed at least 175 people, most of them aged 7 to 12 years. This marks the most devastating death toll of the US-Israel-Iran war.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a chilling escalation of Day 12 information war, the official X account of Ali Khamenei has branded US President a "Nobel Cannibal." It features a monstrous Donald Trump amid ruins of Minab girls' school, a direct rhetorical strike following his wild Tomahawk Theory regarding Feb 28 massacre.

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 10) stepped up its anti-Trump rhetoric with a cartoon of the US President Donald Trump grinning monstrously while standing amid a pile of bloodied school bags. The cartoon was posted by the X account of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (assassination confirmed March 1) along with a cryptic message that when translated from Persian to English simply reads "Nobel Cannibal". This comes amid reports that a American fired Tomahawk cruise missile was responsible for the death and destruction at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, on Feb 28, the first day of the ongoing Iran war. Here's all we know. Also read | 'Iran also has Tomahawks': Trump confronted by reporters as he floats wild theory on Minab school strike, contradicts Pentagon What does the ghastly Trump cartoon show? The cartoon depicts US President Donald Trump as a monstrous figure with pointed teeth, holding a Nobel Peace Prize medal, with a background of scattered school backpacks and rubble from the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab. It is black and white except for stark red blood splatters that seem to cover the school bags that lay at the US President's feet. The Graphic illustration also has a caption written at the bottom of the image which emphasises the civilian toll of Operation Epic Fury. Labelling Trump a “pedophile and terrorist” it calls the alleged US strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab an “unprecedented crime in contemporary history”. It states that “168 innocent girls from an elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, were martyred by a direct missile fired by the pedophile and terrorist American President Donald Trump.” Also read | 'Expel US & Israeli ambassadors': IRGC offers 'full freedom' in Strait of Hormuz to Arab, European nations on one condition

Why did Iran post a cartoon of Donald Trump labelled “Nobel Cannibal”?The image shows the US president smiling amid bloodied school bags after reports linked a Tomahawk missile to deadly strike on an Iranian girls’ school. What message is Tehran trying to send? Scroll down to find out.

'Nobel Cannibal': Khamenei’s X account posts ghastly Trump cartoon after POTUS floats Tomahawk theory on Iran school strike

At least 175 people were killed in the bombing of a primary school in Minab on 28 February in Iran. 150 among the dead were young girls, from ages seven to 12. It was the worst mass killing of the US and Israel's joint war on the Islamic Republic so far. UNESCO described the attack as a "grave violation" of international law.&nbsp;After the massive outrage, the US President Donald Trump said that Iran was responsible for the school bombing. “In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran ... they’re very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran," the American president said.&nbsp;Although Trump presented no evidence for his claim. His claim was not even repeated by spokespeople for the US military, who repeatedly said that they are "investigating" the bombing. Amid all this, several pieces of evidence have emerged which indicate that the US could be responsible for the deadly strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school.<h2>Location of the school</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-also-has-tomahawks-trump-confronted-by-reporters-as-he-floats-wild-theory-on-minab-school-strike-contradicts-pentagon-on-missile-use-1773120388711">Trump floats wild theory on Minab school strike says ‘Iran also has Tomahawks’</a>&nbsp;The Shajareh Tayyebeh school was near a cluster of buildings that were used as local Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval barracks. As per old satellite images, the school was once part of the IRGC complex, but it was walled off from the barracks nine years ago. It was evident for years that the building was an educational facility. It has colourful murals on the walls and small sports playing fields - and all of these were visible in satellite images. Moreover, there is no evidence that the school was used by the Iranian military.<h2>Aftermath videos</h2>After the bombing, multiple videos of the school were shared online. Four of the videos showed the school from various agles and it was evident that ot was a school building as one could easily see murals on the walls. One of the videos shows rubble of the destroyed school and smoke rising over the fence of the building. The video was one of the first indications that the bomb that hit the school was one of a series of strikes that also targeted the IRGC complex next to it.<h2>Satellite image of the site</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-trump-says-tomahawk-missile-is-very-generic-and-even-iran-has-some-is-it-really-1773113733048">Fact Check: Trump says Tomahawk missile is 'very generic' and even 'Iran has some'. Is it really?</a>&nbsp;The first satellite images of the premises were released on March 4, which showed the aftermath of the bombing at the school. They show the destroyed school building and four other destroyed buildings in its immediate vicinity, all within the walls of the IRGC complex.<h2>The Tomahawk video</h2>On March 8, &nbsp;Iranian state media Mehr news agency released a video of a missile hitting a location in Minab. The missile in the video was identified by munitions experts as a Tomahawk missile. “Given the belligerents, that indicates it is a US strike, as Israel is not known to possess Tomahawk missiles,” said NR Jenzen-Jones, the director of Armament Research Services, The Guardian reported.<h2>Location of US operation at the time of school bombing</h2>The US has not admitted so far that it struck the school or near it, in the Pentagon, led by Pete Hegseth on 4 March, the US military shared a graphic showing where the US and Israel had conducted strikes. On the map shared by the US, Minab was not mentioned, but one of the points marked as the site of US operation was adjacent to Minab.&nbsp;

Evidence surrounding the Minab school bombing that killed at least 175 people suggests possible US involvement. Investigators cite a video showing a Tomahawk missile, satellite imagery of coordinated strikes near an IRGC complex, and the presence of US military operations nearby. 

At least 175 people were killed in the bombing of a primary school in Minab on 28 February in Iran. 150 among the dead were young girls, from ages seven to 12. It was the worst mass killing of the US and Israel's joint war on the Islamic Republic so far. UNESCO described the attack as a "grave violation" of international law. After the massive outrage, the US President Donald Trump said that Iran was responsible for the school bombing. “In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran ... they’re very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran," the American president said. Although Trump presented no evidence for his claim. His claim was not even repeated by spokespeople for the US military, who repeatedly said that they are "investigating" the bombing. Amid all this, several pieces of evidence have emerged which indicate that the US could be responsible for the deadly strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school. Location of the school Also read: Trump floats wild theory on Minab school strike says ‘Iran also has Tomahawks’ The Shajareh Tayyebeh school was near a cluster of buildings that were used as local Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval barracks. As per old satellite images, the school was once part of the IRGC complex, but it was walled off from the barracks nine years ago. It was evident for years that the building was an educational facility. It has colourful murals on the walls and small sports playing fields - and all of these were visible in satellite images. Moreover, there is no evidence that the school was used by the Iranian military. Aftermath videos After the bombing, multiple videos of the school were shared online. Four of the videos showed the school from various agles and it was evident that ot was a school building as one could easily see murals on the walls. One of the videos shows rubble of the destroyed school and smoke rising over the fence of the building. The video was one of the first indications that the bomb that hit the school was one of a series of strikes that also targeted the IRGC complex next to it. Satellite image of the site Also read: Fact Check: Trump says Tomahawk missile is 'very generic' and even 'Iran has some'. Is it really? The first satellite images of the premises were released on March 4, which showed the aftermath of the bombing at the school. They show the destroyed school building and four other destroyed buildings in its immediate vicinity, all within the walls of the IRGC complex. The Tomahawk video On March 8, Iranian state media Mehr news agency released a video of a missile hitting a location in Minab. The missile in the video was identified by munitions experts as a Tomahawk missile. “Given the belligerents, that indicates it is a US strike, as Israel is not known to possess Tomahawk missiles,” said NR Jenzen-Jones, the director of Armament Research Services, The Guardian reported. Location of US operation at the time of school bombing The US has not admitted so far that it struck the school or near it, in the Pentagon, led by Pete Hegseth on 4 March, the US military shared a graphic showing where the US and Israel had conducted strikes. On the map shared by the US, Minab was not mentioned, but one of the points marked as the site of US operation was adjacent to Minab.

Evidence surrounding the Minab school bombing that killed at least 175 people suggests possible US involvement. Investigators cite a video showing a Tomahawk missile, satellite imagery of coordinated strikes near an IRGC complex, and the presence of US military operations nearby.&nbsp;

Minab school bombing: List of evidence that indicate US was responsible

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Minab school bombing: List of evidence that indicate US was responsible