The White House has rejected a UN human rights report that found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran on February 28, including an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the findings and accused the UN Human Rights Council of having ‘accomplished nothing for human rights while spouting unserious nonsense for decades’, according to The Washington Post. Kelly also said the only party in the conflict to have committed war crimes was the Iranian government.&nbsp;The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said the two US strikes killed at least 178 civilians. One of the attacks hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, where Iranian authorities reported more than 150 deaths, including around 120 schoolchildren. The mission concluded that the school was the intended point of impact and described the attack as an indiscriminate strike that caused civilian deaths and damaged civilian infrastructure. It said US forces failed to take adequate steps to verify that the building was a legitimate military objective before carrying out the attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-city-in-asia-has-the-world-s-coolest-neighbourhood-for-2026-check-the-full-list-1789704814981">THIS city in Asia has the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026. Check the full list</a>&nbsp;The second strike examined by the UN mission targeted a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd, killing civilians and damaging nearby infrastructure. The two incidents formed the basis for the mission's conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe war crimes had been committed. The United States has not publicly accepted responsibility for the Minab school attack. Earlier investigations by The Washington Post and other outlets found evidence pointing to US involvement.&nbsp;&nbsp;A preliminary US assessment reported by CBS also indicated that American forces were likely responsible, while suggesting the school may have been struck because outdated intelligence incorrectly identified the area as a military site. A separate Washington Post investigation reported that the school had appeared on a US target list and may have been mistakenly identified as a military facility.&nbsp;The UN mission's findings do not amount to a criminal judgment, and the fact-finding body does not have the authority to bring criminal prosecutions. Its report is due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for discussion. The same UN report also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests, including allegations of killings, torture and arbitrary detention.

The White House rejects a UN report alleging US war crimes in Iran, including the deadly Minab school strike and a second attack in Lamerd

The White House has rejected a UN human rights report that found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran on February 28, including an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the findings and accused the UN Human Rights Council of having ‘accomplished nothing for human rights while spouting unserious nonsense for decades’, according to The Washington Post. Kelly also said the only party in the conflict to have committed war crimes was the Iranian government. The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said the two US strikes killed at least 178 civilians. One of the attacks hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, where Iranian authorities reported more than 150 deaths, including around 120 schoolchildren. The mission concluded that the school was the intended point of impact and described the attack as an indiscriminate strike that caused civilian deaths and damaged civilian infrastructure. It said US forces failed to take adequate steps to verify that the building was a legitimate military objective before carrying out the attack. Also Read: THIS city in Asia has the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026. Check the full list The second strike examined by the UN mission targeted a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd, killing civilians and damaging nearby infrastructure. The two incidents formed the basis for the mission's conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe war crimes had been committed. The United States has not publicly accepted responsibility for the Minab school attack. Earlier investigations by The Washington Post and other outlets found evidence pointing to US involvement. A preliminary US assessment reported by CBS also indicated that American forces were likely responsible, while suggesting the school may have been struck because outdated intelligence incorrectly identified the area as a military site. A separate Washington Post investigation reported that the school had appeared on a US target list and may have been mistakenly identified as a military facility. The UN mission's findings do not amount to a criminal judgment, and the fact-finding body does not have the authority to bring criminal prosecutions. Its report is due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for discussion. The same UN report also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests, including allegations of killings, torture and arbitrary detention.

The White House rejected a UN report finding reasonable grounds to believe US strikes in Iran, including a Minab school attack, were war crimes

White House rejects UN report alleging US war crimes findings over Minab school strike

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

Days after US President Donald Trump suggested that the photos of the Minab school bombing could be AI-generated, a school teacher, who was present in the school premises on the day of attack on Feb 28, recalled the horrifying and fatal strike. Amaineh Nademi, 33-year-old teacher, said that they all went flying as the missile struck the compound and asked what was the crime that the students committed. She said that the school does not look like a school anymore, adding that “walls that smell of death, grief and the blood that was shed here.” - 'I don’t think...'&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/reacher-star-alan-ritchson-slams-us-president-donald-trump-over-epstein-files-white-house-fires-back-1784975946494">Reacher star Alan Ritchson slams US President Donald Trump over Epstein files; White House fires back</a>&nbsp;<blockquote>Nademi made the remarks while speaking to BBC. "Just as I went to leave, a missile struck the school. Something hit my head and my students' heads - we were all sent flying." She said that there were multiple attacks after the first strike and the school collapsed, adding, “Blood was pouring from me and the students.”</blockquote><h2>What had Trump said?</h2>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.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-in-talks-with-iran-no-decision-yet-on-major-strikes-here-s-what-it-means-1784928687382">Trump says US in talks with Iran, no decision yet on major strikes. Here’s what it means</a><h2>What happened in Minab?</h2>On Feb 28, multiple missiles including US-made Tomahawk cruise missile struck the school building while classes were underway, causing the two-story structure's roof to collapse on top of the students and staff strike. The US and Israel claim that the area in which the school was located served as Revolutionary Guard base. Iran said that the attack killed almost 168 people, the majority of whom were young schoolgirls aged between 7 and 12. The school was the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school and photos showed fragments of the US Tomahawk missiles on the site. Intelligence reports later revealed that the school was adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval compound. The Iranian government condemned the strike as an "unforgivable war crime."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Days after Donald Trump suggested images of the deadly Minab school strike could be AI-generated, teacher Amaineh Nademi recalled the horror of the missile attack. She said students and staff were thrown into the air as the school was hit, leaving blood, death and devastation behind.

Days after US President Donald Trump suggested that the photos of the Minab school bombing could be AI-generated, a school teacher, who was present in the school premises on the day of attack on Feb 28, recalled the horrifying and fatal strike. Amaineh Nademi, 33-year-old teacher, said that they all went flying as the missile struck the compound and asked what was the crime that the students committed. She said that the school does not look like a school anymore, adding that “walls that smell of death, grief and the blood that was shed here.” - 'I don’t think...' Also Read: Reacher star Alan Ritchson slams US President Donald Trump over Epstein files; White House fires back Nademi made the remarks while speaking to BBC. "Just as I went to leave, a missile struck the school. Something hit my head and my students' heads - we were all sent flying." She said that there were multiple attacks after the first strike and the school collapsed, adding, “Blood was pouring from me and the students.” What had Trump said? 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.” Also Read: Trump says US in talks with Iran, no decision yet on major strikes. Here’s what it means What happened in Minab? On Feb 28, multiple missiles including US-made Tomahawk cruise missile struck the school building while classes were underway, causing the two-story structure's roof to collapse on top of the students and staff strike. The US and Israel claim that the area in which the school was located served as Revolutionary Guard base. Iran said that the attack killed almost 168 people, the majority of whom were young schoolgirls aged between 7 and 12. The school was the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school and photos showed fragments of the US Tomahawk missiles on the site. Intelligence reports later revealed that the school was adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval compound. The Iranian government condemned the strike as an "unforgivable war crime."

Days after Donald Trump suggested images of the deadly Minab school strike could be AI-generated, teacher Amaineh Nademi recalled the horror of the missile attack. She said students and staff were thrown into the air as the school was hit, leaving blood, death and devastation behind.

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated -- Minab school teacher reacts

The White House on Thursday (July 16) defended President Donald Trump's rejection of claims that the United States was responsible for a deadly attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, saying the president believes the US military does not intentionally target civilians.&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's position was based on his confidence that American forces operate in good faith during military operations. "The president feels that way because he knows that our military always acts in good faith," Leavitt told reporters when asked about Trump's denial of US involvement in the attack.&nbsp;She also criticised Iran, accusing its government of being responsible for the deaths of women, children and other civilians within the country over many years. Leavitt's remarks came after Trump denied allegations that the United States was behind the deadly strike on the school in Minab, a city in Iran's southern Hormozgan province.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/targeting-iran-s-military-capabilities-us-launches-fresh-strikes-as-explosions-rock-ahvaz-chabahar-1784144502014">'Targeting Iran's military capabilities': US launches fresh strikes as explosions rock Ahvaz, Chabahar</a>&nbsp;The comments add to the growing war of narratives between Washington and Tehran as tensions remain high following days of military exchanges and competing claims over responsibility for civilian casualties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, talking about the ongoing talks with Iran, Leavitt said Tehran was seeking negotiations after suffering significant military setbacks. "Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and has expressed that they want to make a deal with us because they are suffering devastating blows" from the US military, she said.&nbsp;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;Leavitt said recent US strikes were carried out after Iran allegedly violated the Iran-US memorandum of understanding, which Washington says prohibits attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;She said President Donald Trump remained committed to protecting international shipping routes and would respond firmly to any such actions. "President Trump is not going to sit by and allow these active acts of terrorism to take place in the Strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that," Leavitt said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House defended President Trump’s denial of US involvement in a deadly attack on an Iranian school in Minab, asserting that the American military always acts in good faith.

The White House on Thursday (July 16) defended President Donald Trump's rejection of claims that the United States was responsible for a deadly attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, saying the president believes the US military does not intentionally target civilians. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's position was based on his confidence that American forces operate in good faith during military operations. "The president feels that way because he knows that our military always acts in good faith," Leavitt told reporters when asked about Trump's denial of US involvement in the attack. She also criticised Iran, accusing its government of being responsible for the deaths of women, children and other civilians within the country over many years. Leavitt's remarks came after Trump denied allegations that the United States was behind the deadly strike on the school in Minab, a city in Iran's southern Hormozgan province. Also read: 'Targeting Iran's military capabilities': US launches fresh strikes as explosions rock Ahvaz, Chabahar The comments add to the growing war of narratives between Washington and Tehran as tensions remain high following days of military exchanges and competing claims over responsibility for civilian casualties. Moreover, talking about the ongoing talks with Iran, Leavitt said Tehran was seeking negotiations after suffering significant military setbacks. "Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and has expressed that they want to make a deal with us because they are suffering devastating blows" from the US military, she said. Also read: ‘Our military always acts in good faith’: Trump denies US role in Minab school attack, WH defends him Leavitt said recent US strikes were carried out after Iran allegedly violated the Iran-US memorandum of understanding, which Washington says prohibits attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. She said President Donald Trump remained committed to protecting international shipping routes and would respond firmly to any such actions. "President Trump is not going to sit by and allow these active acts of terrorism to take place in the Strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that," Leavitt said.

The White House defended President Trump’s denial of US involvement in a deadly attack on an Iranian school in Minab, asserting that the American military always acts in good faith.

‘Our military always acts in good faith’: Trump denies US role in Minab school attack, WH defends him

Way before the tragic incident in which 120 children were killed during the US-Iran war, a US intelligence analyst identified an Iranian military site as an elementary school as early as 2019. But the warning never reached military commanders. The information was reportedly entered into a disconnected intelligence system.&nbsp;The revelation is among a series of failures uncovered during a Pentagon investigation into a US missile strike on the school in Minab, southeastern Iran, on February 28, which Iranian state media said killed 120 children and nearly 200 people overall.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-s-politics-face-heat-as-mps-raise-concern-for-pok-1782560671631">As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter</a>&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, years before the US launched military operations against Iran, an intelligence analyst reviewing potential future strike targets noticed that a location previously identified as a naval facility used by Iran’s elite military forces had been converted into an elementary school.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-showed-us-what-it-could-do-and-it-s-scary-congressman-andrew-garbarino-on-anthropic-mythos-model-demo-claude-ai-news-1782552364247">'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo</a>&nbsp;The analyst reportedly documented the finding in a digital intelligence tool. However, the system was not connected to the official US intelligence database used to develop targeting lists, meaning the information was never passed on to military commanders, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity because they were discussing sensitive issues.One of the sources said the analyst submitted the remarks in 2019.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-former-ruler-france-paris-hits-back-1782527292300">Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with former ruler France, Paris hits back</a>&nbsp;According to the report, the warning remained unnoticed even as the same site underwent multiple reviews in subsequent years. At no point was the official targeting database updated to reflect that the building was functioning as a school.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-massive-rush-for-acs-as-france-heatwave-sparks-chaos-inside-store-1782529837804">WATCH: Massive rush for ACs as France heatwave sparks chaos inside store</a>

A Pentagon investigation revealed a US intelligence analyst identified the struck Minab school as a civilian site in 2019, but the warning failed to reach commanders due to a disconnected system.

Way before the tragic incident in which 120 children were killed during the US-Iran war, a US intelligence analyst identified an Iranian military site as an elementary school as early as 2019. But the warning never reached military commanders. The information was reportedly entered into a disconnected intelligence system. The revelation is among a series of failures uncovered during a Pentagon investigation into a US missile strike on the school in Minab, southeastern Iran, on February 28, which Iranian state media said killed 120 children and nearly 200 people overall. Also read: As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter According to Bloomberg, years before the US launched military operations against Iran, an intelligence analyst reviewing potential future strike targets noticed that a location previously identified as a naval facility used by Iran’s elite military forces had been converted into an elementary school. Also read: 'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo The analyst reportedly documented the finding in a digital intelligence tool. However, the system was not connected to the official US intelligence database used to develop targeting lists, meaning the information was never passed on to military commanders, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity because they were discussing sensitive issues. One of the sources said the analyst submitted the remarks in 2019. Also read: Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with former ruler France, Paris hits back According to the report, the warning remained unnoticed even as the same site underwent multiple reviews in subsequent years. At no point was the official targeting database updated to reflect that the building was functioning as a school. Also read: WATCH: Massive rush for ACs as France heatwave sparks chaos inside store

A Pentagon investigation revealed a US intelligence analyst identified the struck Minab school as a civilian site in 2019, but the warning failed to reach commanders due to a disconnected system.

Analyst flagged Minab school as civilian site in 2019, warning missed: Report

&nbsp;As Iranian and American officials prepare to sit across the table for the first round of technical talks since the end of the recent West Asia conflict, Iran has once again brought the tragic Minab school strike into the spotlight. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday (Jun 20) invoked the memory of the children killed in the Minab school strike, saying their sacrifice would remain at the forefront of his mind as Tehran engages with Washington over the implementation of a recently signed 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/155-lives-lost-iran-reveals-heartbreaking-breakdown-of-the-minab-school-strike-victims-on-iran-war-2-month-anniversary-tomahawk-trump-in-pics-1777339563410">155 lives lost: Iran REVEALS heartbreaking breakdown of the Minab school strike victims | In Pics</a><h2>'Children of Minab are watching us'</h2>In a post on X, posted before the negotiations in Switzerland, Ghalibaf said he viewed the victims of Minab and other Iranian "martyrs" as silent witnesses to every decision taken by the country's leadership."I consider the innocent children of Minab and all the martyrs of dear Iran to be watching over my every action and behaviour at every moment," Ghalibaf wrote. "God forbid that I should ever bring shame to the innocent martyrs and the people of Iran."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">کودکان مظلوم میناب و تمام شهدای ایران عزیز را هر لحظه ناظر اعمال و رفتار خود می‌دانم. آنها ما را می‌بینند و از ما انتظار دارند. خدا کند که شرمندهٔ شهدای مظلوم و ملت ایران نباشم و روسفید به یارانم بپیوندم که برای دیدنشان لحظه‌شماری می‌کنم. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Minab168?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Minab168</a> به یاد بچه‌های مدرسهٔ میناب <a href="https://t.co/UDvZJOyJo2">pic.twitter.com/UDvZJOyJo2</a>&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2068440513104040140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The post carried the hashtag "Minab168", a reference widely used in Iran to commemorate the victims of the incident.<h2>Iran delegation reaches Switzerland for vital talks</h2>The comments came as a high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Zurich for talks with the United States aimed at advancing commitments made under the agreement that helped halt hostilities between Iran, the US and Israel earlier this year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosts-on-the-flight-iran-delegation-travels-aboard-minab-168-tehran-uses-tragic-school-strike-to-set-the-tone-for-islamabad-peace-talks-1775883133513">Ghosts on the flight: Iran delegation travels aboard 'Minab-168'; Tehran uses tragic school strike to set the tone for Islamabad peace talks</a>Ghalibaf is leading the Iranian team. It includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, senior security official Ali Bagheri, National Iranian Oil Company chairman Hamid Borde, and several deputy foreign ministers and diplomatic officials.According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, the discussions will focus primarily on the implementation phase of the agreement and whether both sides are fulfilling the commitments outlined in the memorandum.<h2>Iran cautious ahead of talks, warns against repeat of past 'broken promises'</h2>Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who is also part of the negotiating team, struck a cautious tone ahead of the talks. "Every agreement and understanding is tested when the time comes for its implementation," Baghaei said, as quoted by IRIB.&nbsp;Referring to previous diplomatic disputes between Tehran and Washington, he added that Iran would closely monitor whether commitments made by the US are honoured. "Given our experience of the other party's breach of promise, we must seriously pursue the fulfilment of their commitments," he said.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;

As Iran and the United States prepare to begin technical negotiations in Switzerland, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the sacrifices of the "children of Minab" and other Iranian martyrs would guide Tehran's actions during the talks.

As Iranian and American officials prepare to sit across the table for the first round of technical talks since the end of the recent West Asia conflict, Iran has once again brought the tragic Minab school strike into the spotlight. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday (Jun 20) invoked the memory of the children killed in the Minab school strike, saying their sacrifice would remain at the forefront of his mind as Tehran engages with Washington over the implementation of a recently signed 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU). Also read | 155 lives lost: Iran REVEALS heartbreaking breakdown of the Minab school strike victims | In Pics 'Children of Minab are watching us' In a post on X, posted before the negotiations in Switzerland, Ghalibaf said he viewed the victims of Minab and other Iranian "martyrs" as silent witnesses to every decision taken by the country's leadership. "I consider the innocent children of Minab and all the martyrs of dear Iran to be watching over my every action and behaviour at every moment," Ghalibaf wrote. "God forbid that I should ever bring shame to the innocent martyrs and the people of Iran."

As Iran and the United States prepare to begin technical negotiations in Switzerland, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the sacrifices of the "children of Minab" and other Iranian martyrs would guide Tehran's actions during the talks.

'Children of Minab are watching us': Iran's Ghalibaf arrives in Switzerland for talks with US

The United States has once again stopped short of officially taking responsibility for a deadly strike on a school in Iran during the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The attack, which reportedly killed over 150 people including children and teachers in the southern Iranian city of Minab, remains under investigation by US military officials. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper told lawmakers that the school was located near an active IRGC missile base, making the probe “more complex.”


US-Iran War: US Avoids Taking Responsibility For Attack on Iran School

What really happened in the deadliest attack of the Iran war? According to Iran's updated toll, the Minab school strike killed 155 people, most of them children.

Was it a targeting error or something more deliberate? Scroll down to find out.

What really happened in the deadliest attack of the Iran war? According to Iran's updated toll, the Minab school strike killed 155 people, most of them children.Was it a targeting error or something more deliberate? Scroll down to find out.

155 lives lost: Iran REVEALS heartbreaking breakdown of the Minab school strike victims | In Pics

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

Days after an elementary girls school in Iran's Minab was attacked in US, Israel strike, Tehran has publicly accused two US Navy officers of being responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of 170 children. Iran released their images through its embassy in South Africa and accused them of directly authorising the missile attack.&nbsp;The officers were identified as Leigh R Tate, said to be the commanding officer, and Jeffrey E York, the executive officer of the USS Spruance.&nbsp;In a post on microblogging site X the embassy wrote, "Remember these two criminals. Leigh R. Tate, the commander, and Jeffrey E. York, the executive officer of the USS Spruance, who ordered the launch of Tomahawk missiles three times, killing 168 innocent children at a school in #Minab."The post ended emotionally by saying, “Remember these two. Don’t they have children of their own?".<h2>‘Slaughtered in cold blood’</h2>&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (Mar 27) slammed the bombing of Minab school, calling it a “calculated assault” by the United States. Aragchi called the February 28 attack on the school “a war crime and a crime against humanity”.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-regime-change-happened-after-a-month-of-war-hints-at-peace-deal-soon-1774830991167">‘Regime change has happened’: Trump issues BIG statement after a month of Iran war, hints at peace deal ‘pretty soon’</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump had claimed that Iran itself was responsible for the attack, which happened on the first day of the war. However, a US military investigation reported by The New York Times suggested that a US Tomahawk cruise missile, which Iran does not possess, had struck the school due to an error in targeting.&nbsp;The report added that the US military was striking an adjacent Iranian base. The school building had earlier been a part of the base, and target coordinates were set using outdated data.

Iran released their images through its embassy in South Africa and accused both the navy officers of directly authorising the Tomahawl missile attack on the elementary girls school in Minab.

Days after an elementary girls school in Iran's Minab was attacked in US, Israel strike, Tehran has publicly accused two US Navy officers of being responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of 170 children. Iran released their images through its embassy in South Africa and accused them of directly authorising the missile attack. The officers were identified as Leigh R Tate, said to be the commanding officer, and Jeffrey E York, the executive officer of the USS Spruance. In a post on microblogging site X the embassy wrote, "Remember these two criminals. Leigh R. Tate, the commander, and Jeffrey E. York, the executive officer of the USS Spruance, who ordered the launch of Tomahawk missiles three times, killing 168 innocent children at a school in #Minab." The post ended emotionally by saying, “Remember these two. Don’t they have children of their own?". ‘Slaughtered in cold blood’ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (Mar 27) slammed the bombing of Minab school, calling it a “calculated assault” by the United States. Aragchi called the February 28 attack on the school “a war crime and a crime against humanity”. ALSO READ: ‘Regime change has happened’: Trump issues BIG statement after a month of Iran war, hints at peace deal ‘pretty soon’ US President Donald Trump had claimed that Iran itself was responsible for the attack, which happened on the first day of the war. However, a US military investigation reported by The New York Times suggested that a US Tomahawk cruise missile, which Iran does not possess, had struck the school due to an error in targeting. The report added that the US military was striking an adjacent Iranian base. The school building had earlier been a part of the base, and target coordinates were set using outdated data.

Iran released their images through its embassy in South Africa and accused both the navy officers of directly authorising the Tomahawl missile attack on the elementary girls school in Minab.

'Remember these two criminals': Iran names two US navy officers behind Tomahawk missile attack on Minab school

The Iranian Embassy in The Hague has posted a Disney-style video slamming US President Donald Trump for his recent rhetoric on the alleged US strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab. Iran's video, which comes days after Iran posted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-nobel-cannibal-khamenei-s-x-account-posts-ghastly-trump-cartoon-after-potus-floats-twisted-tomahawk-theory-on-minab-school-strike-1773194272348">ghastly "Nobel Cannibal"</a> cartoon portraying Trump as a monster, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing "Information War" between Tehran and Washington.<h2>'Inside Out' Trump's brain: Here's what the video shows</h2>Published on Thursday (Mar 12) by the Iranian Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, features an apparent AI-generated animation. The AI satire, made in the style of the popular Disney movie 'Inside Out', portrays Trump as a leader controlled by his "evil" internal impulses.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-nobel-cannibal-khamenei-s-x-account-posts-ghastly-trump-cartoon-after-potus-floats-twisted-tomahawk-theory-on-minab-school-strike-1773194272348">'Nobel Cannibal': Khamenei’s X account posts ghastly Trump cartoon after POTUS floats Tomahawk theory on Iran school strike</a>In the now viral video, Trump, who can be seen conducting a press conference where he exclaims, “We have no issue with civilians," prompting a female reporter to ask, “Why did you attack the Minab School?”. The scene shifts to the evil voices inside Trump's head, portrayed with monstrous figures, presumably greed, deceit, and malice, standing around a console labelled “Trump HQ”. The monsters start chanting “Go on, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie,” before pressing a button labelled “lie,” which has a memory orb titled “Epstein” lying next to it. The Trump character immediately changes the subject at the podium to a rambling tangent and insists, “We didn't hit the Minab School,” before claiming, “America doesn't have Tomahawk missiles at all.”“We care deeply about the Iranian people,” says the Trump character as menacing music plays in the background, before the video ends with a black screen and the words “INSIDE OUT Epstein's Client."&nbsp;Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In memory of the 168 innocent schoolchildren of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Minab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Minab</a> whose lives were cruelly taken by the most evil people on earth. Their names may fade from the headlines, but they must never fade from our conscience.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithIran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithIran</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WarCrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WarCrime</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%87_%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#مدرسه_میناب</a> <a href="https://t.co/sCG2kpfM71">pic.twitter.com/sCG2kpfM71</a>&mdash; ☫ Iran Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands (@IRAN_in_NL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRAN_in_NL/status/2032008734445076877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why did the Iranian Embassy link Trump to Epstein?</h2>The AI-generated videos repeated Epstein mentions are an apparent reference to Donald Trump's publicly known friendship with sex offender and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Even as Trump continues to claim that he kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago resort and broke off ties with the disgraced financier years before he was found guilty of horrific sex crimes against young girls, the uproar over the notorious Epstein Files continues to dominate headlines.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>Minab school attack: US vs Iran claims</h2>On Feb 28, the first day of the US-Israel-Iran war, the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Iran's Minab was hit by a "double-tap" attack, i.e., two airstrikes over the course of a few minutes. According to Iran 168 young girls, most of them between the ages of seven and 12, were killed in the attack. This marked the most devastating death toll of the US-Israel-Iran war.Initially, the attack was blamed on Israel, but later reports revealed that a Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the attack. Notably, only the US, the United Kingdom and Australia possess the missiles, with Japan and the Netherlands awaiting handover.On Tuesday (Mar 9) 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 Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school 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.&nbsp;&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.

Iran has released a viral AI-generated animation modelled after Disney’s Inside Out, portraying US President Donald Trump as being controlled by “evil impulses”. The 30-second satire mocks his claims about Tomahawk missiles used in the Minab school strike. Watch here!

The Iranian Embassy in The Hague has posted a Disney-style video slamming US President Donald Trump for his recent rhetoric on the alleged US strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab. Iran's video, which comes days after Iran posted the ghastly "Nobel Cannibal" cartoon portraying Trump as a monster, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing "Information War" between Tehran and Washington. 'Inside Out' Trump's brain: Here's what the video shows Published on Thursday (Mar 12) by the Iranian Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, features an apparent AI-generated animation. The AI satire, made in the style of the popular Disney movie 'Inside Out', portrays Trump as a leader controlled by his "evil" internal impulses. Also read | 'Nobel Cannibal': Khamenei’s X account posts ghastly Trump cartoon after POTUS floats Tomahawk theory on Iran school strike In the now viral video, Trump, who can be seen conducting a press conference where he exclaims, “We have no issue with civilians," prompting a female reporter to ask, “Why did you attack the Minab School?”. The scene shifts to the evil voices inside Trump's head, portrayed with monstrous figures, presumably greed, deceit, and malice, standing around a console labelled “Trump HQ”. The monsters start chanting “Go on, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie,” before pressing a button labelled “lie,” which has a memory orb titled “Epstein” lying next to it. The Trump character immediately changes the subject at the podium to a rambling tangent and insists, “We didn't hit the Minab School,” before claiming, “America doesn't have Tomahawk missiles at all.” “We care deeply about the Iranian people,” says the Trump character as menacing music plays in the background, before the video ends with a black screen and the words “INSIDE OUT Epstein's Client." Watch it here:

Iran has released a viral AI-generated animation modelled after Disney’s Inside Out, portraying US President Donald Trump as being controlled by “evil impulses”. The 30-second satire mocks his claims about Tomahawk missiles used in the Minab school strike. Watch here!

'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran uses AI satire video to mock Trump's ‘Inside Out’ evil impulses amid Minab school strike & Epstein files controversies | Watch

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

US President Donald Trump faced tough questions on Monday (Mar 9) over mounting evidence that an American missile struck an Iranian girls’ school, killing over 165 children on the first day of the conflict. 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, floating a theory that Iran itself possesses Tomahawk cruise missiles suspected in the attack. While the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second week under Operations Epic Fury and Lion's Roar, the President’s claim that Tomahawks are 'generic' weapons used by 'numerous nations' has sparked a firestorm of fact-checking. Here is everything you need to know.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-s-deadliest-war-crime-investigation-finds-us-likely-responsible-for-devastating-school-strike-that-killed-150-iranian-girls-1772766411530">US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls</a><h2>Tomahawk also 'used by other countries': Trump</h2>During a press conference at his golf resort in Florida, Trump, when asked about reports about US Tomahawk cruise missiles being used for the devastating attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab. 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.Before the question could be finished, Trump interrupted, saying, "Well, I haven’t seen it". He suggested 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.He suggested the missile could have been used by another nation, including Iran, while adding that the incident was still under investigation. "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."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><h2>Which nations have Tomahawk missiles?</h2>Trump's remarks quickly drew scrutiny. According to a 2024 statement by Australian defence officials, only three countries currently operate Tomahawk missiles: the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia itself.The missiles are manufactured by US defence contractor Raytheon. While Washington has approved future sales of the weapon system to Japan and the Netherlands, those deliveries have not yet been deployed. Experts cited by US media outlets have also said that neither Israel nor Iran currently uses Tomahawk missiles.<h2>Did Trump mean Iran stole Tomahawks from the US?</h2>The exchange grew tense when another reporter pressed the president on his comments. "You just suggested that Iran got its hands on a Tomahawk and bombed its own elementary school on the first day of the war," another reporter noted. The journalist then noted, "You’re the only person in your government saying this. Even your defence secretary wouldn’t say that when he was asked, standing over your shoulder on your plane on Saturday.""Why are you the only person saying this?" they asked. To this, Trump, impatiently interrupting the reporter, said, "Because I just don’t know enough about it"."I think it’s something that I was told is under investigation, but Tomahawks are used by others, as you know," said the POTUS, adding, "Numerous other nations have Tomahawks; they buy them from us".He then insisted that he would accept whatever conclusion investigators eventually reach. "I will certainly, whatever the report shows, I’m willing to live with that report".&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.

During a tense Doral press conference, President Trump was cornered over the Shajareh Tayyebeh school strike in Minab. Despite evidence of a US Tomahawk missile, Trump suggested Iran may be responsible, incorrectly claiming Tehran operates the weapon system.

US President Donald Trump faced tough questions on Monday (Mar 9) over mounting evidence that an American missile struck an Iranian girls’ school, killing over 165 children on the first day of the conflict. Speaking at his Doral resort in Florida, Trump denied US responsibility for the Feb 28 tragedy at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, floating a theory that Iran itself possesses Tomahawk cruise missiles suspected in the attack. While the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second week under Operations Epic Fury and Lion's Roar, the President’s claim that Tomahawks are 'generic' weapons used by 'numerous nations' has sparked a firestorm of fact-checking. Here is everything you need to know. Also read | US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls Tomahawk also 'used by other countries': Trump During a press conference at his golf resort in Florida, Trump, when asked about reports about US Tomahawk cruise missiles being used for the devastating attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab. 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. Before the question could be finished, Trump interrupted, saying, "Well, I haven’t seen it". He suggested 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. He suggested the missile could have been used by another nation, including Iran, while adding that the incident was still under investigation. "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." Also read | 'Expel US & Israeli ambassadors': IRGC offers 'full freedom' in Strait of Hormuz to Arab, European nations on one condition Which nations have Tomahawk missiles? Trump's remarks quickly drew scrutiny. According to a 2024 statement by Australian defence officials, only three countries currently operate Tomahawk missiles: the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia itself. The missiles are manufactured by US defence contractor Raytheon. While Washington has approved future sales of the weapon system to Japan and the Netherlands, those deliveries have not yet been deployed. Experts cited by US media outlets have also said that neither Israel nor Iran currently uses Tomahawk missiles. Did Trump mean Iran stole Tomahawks from the US? The exchange grew tense when another reporter pressed the president on his comments. "You just suggested that Iran got its hands on a Tomahawk and bombed its own elementary school on the first day of the war," another reporter noted. The journalist then noted, "You’re the only person in your government saying this. Even your defence secretary wouldn’t say that when he was asked, standing over your shoulder on your plane on Saturday." "Why are you the only person saying this?" they asked. To this, Trump, impatiently interrupting the reporter, said, "Because I just don’t know enough about it". "I think it’s something that I was told is under investigation, but Tomahawks are used by others, as you know," said the POTUS, adding, "Numerous other nations have Tomahawks; they buy them from us". He then insisted that he would accept whatever conclusion investigators eventually reach. "I will certainly, whatever the report shows, I’m willing to live with that report". 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.

Did Donald Trump suggest Iran might have used a US Tomahawk missile in the deadly strike on an Iranian girls’ school? The claim raised eyebrows because only a handful of countries operate Tomahawk cruise missiles. So what exactly did he say, and does Iran even possess them? Scroll down.

'Iran also has Tomahawks': Trump confronted by reporters as he floats wild theory on Minab school strike, contradicts Pentagon

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of bombing a school in the southern city of Minab, an attack he says killed at least 165 people. Trump claimed Tehran was responsible for the strike and rejected allegations that the United States was involved.

The incident refers to the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, which was destroyed during the early stages of the Iran war, with Iranian authorities reporting that more than 160 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed.

Trump also said there is no indication that Russia is assisting Iran in the conflict. The U.S. president added that Washington wants a future Iranian leader who will not lead the country into war.

The remarks come as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to escalate across the region.

US-Iran War: Trump Blames Iran Over Minab School Strike

In a devastating blow to White House's Operation Epic Fury narrative, US investigators now admit that American forces likely carried out the February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school. The incident, which killed 150 children, is being flagged by the UN as a potential war crime.

In a devastating blow to White House's Operation Epic Fury narrative, US investigators now admit that American forces likely carried out the February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school. The incident, which killed 150 children, is being flagged by the UN as a potential war crime.

US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls

In a devastating blow to White House's Operation Epic Fury narrative, US investigators, as per reports, now believe that American forces likely carried out the February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Iran's Minab. The incident, which killed over 150 school children and injured dozens more, has been flagged as a potential war crime at the UN. This comes as the White House insisted that the devastating attack on the elementary school in Minab was carried out by Iran.&nbsp;What you need to know:Incident: Strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School.Location: Minab, Southern Iran.Casualties: 150+ children (Ages 7–12).Latest: Pentagon admits "Likely US Role" despite White House denials.<h2>US hands red with the blood of young Iranian schoolgirls?</h2>Speaking to Reuters, two US officials who are familiar with the investigation said that investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for the apparent strike that killed scores of children on the first day of the war (Feb 28).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-s-deadliest-war-crime-investigation-finds-us-likely-responsible-for-devastating-school-strike-that-killed-150-iranian-girls-1772766411530">US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls</a>For now, many details remain unclear. Investigators have not confirmed what type of weapon was used, who authorised the strike or why the school may have been targeted.The officials told Reuters that the investigation was ongoing and new evidence may emerge that absolves the US and points to another party.<h2>What happened in Minab?</h2>On Day 1 of the joint US-Israel attack, an apparent air strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Iran's Minab killed over 150 students and injured dozens more. Iranian authorities initially blamed Israel for the attack.This attack was the largest single loss of civilian life so far reported in the conflict. According to Iranian authorities, as many as 175 individuals, most of them schoolgirls between the ages of seven and 12 years old, were killed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-after-khamenei-assassination-cryptic-post-on-his-x-account-warns-of-khorramshahr-moments-what-does-it-mean-1772755931543">'Khorramshahr moments on the horizon': Dead Supreme Leader Khamenei’s account issues cryptic warning</a><h2>What did the US say about the Iranian school attack?</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier this week claimed that the Iranian regime was behind the tragic attack. "While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States ​of America," she said.This was echoed by Marco Rubio, who told reporters that the United States would not intentionally strike a school. He said any confirmed US role would be investigated by the Pentagon. "The Department of War would be investigating that if that was our strike, and I would refer your question to them."Meanwhile, the United States Department of Defense, when asked about American involvement in the attack on an Iranian girls' school, referred questions to the United States Central Command. Centcom spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins said, "It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation".&nbsp;

Internal Pentagon investigation now shows that US forces likely carried out the devastating February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Iran's Minab. The incident, which killed over 150 children aged 7 to 12 years, marks the most devastating death toll of US-Israel-Iran war.

In a devastating blow to White House's Operation Epic Fury narrative, US investigators, as per reports, now believe that American forces likely carried out the February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Iran's Minab. The incident, which killed over 150 school children and injured dozens more, has been flagged as a potential war crime at the UN. This comes as the White House insisted that the devastating attack on the elementary school in Minab was carried out by Iran. What you need to know: Incident: Strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School. Location: Minab, Southern Iran. Casualties: 150+ children (Ages 7–12). Latest: Pentagon admits "Likely US Role" despite White House denials. US hands red with the blood of young Iranian schoolgirls? Speaking to Reuters, two US officials who are familiar with the investigation said that investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for the apparent strike that killed scores of children on the first day of the war (Feb 28). Also read | US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls For now, many details remain unclear. Investigators have not confirmed what type of weapon was used, who authorised the strike or why the school may have been targeted. The officials told Reuters that the investigation was ongoing and new evidence may emerge that absolves the US and points to another party. What happened in Minab? On Day 1 of the joint US-Israel attack, an apparent air strike at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Iran's Minab killed over 150 students and injured dozens more. Iranian authorities initially blamed Israel for the attack. This attack was the largest single loss of civilian life so far reported in the conflict. According to Iranian authorities, as many as 175 individuals, most of them schoolgirls between the ages of seven and 12 years old, were killed. Also read | 'Khorramshahr moments on the horizon': Dead Supreme Leader Khamenei’s account issues cryptic warning What did the US say about the Iranian school attack? White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier this week claimed that the Iranian regime was behind the tragic attack. "While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America," she said. This was echoed by Marco Rubio, who told reporters that the United States would not intentionally strike a school. He said any confirmed US role would be investigated by the Pentagon. "The Department of War would be investigating that if that was our strike, and I would refer your question to them." Meanwhile, the United States Department of Defense, when asked about American involvement in the attack on an Iranian girls' school, referred questions to the United States Central Command. Centcom spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins said, "It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation".

Internal Pentagon investigation now shows that US forces likely carried out the devastating February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Iran's Minab. The incident, which killed over 150 children aged 7 to 12 years, marks the most devastating death toll of US-Israel-Iran war.

Operation Epic Fury’s darkest day? US investigation points to America's role in Minab girls' school massacre