U.S. Completes Investigation into Iran School Strike Amid Report Controversy

May photo of the Minab girls' elementary school in Iran, destroyed by a U.S. airstrike on February 28 [Photo=Reuters]

The U.S. military has reportedly completed its investigation into a strike on a school in southern Iran that resulted in the deaths of over 175 people on the first day of the U.S.-Iran war. Concerns are growing that the related report may not be made public, prompting increased pressure on the Defense Department from U.S. lawmakers.

NBC News reported on June 18, citing sources familiar with the matter, that U.S. Central Command has finished its investigation into the incident at the Minab girls' elementary school, and results could be released as early as that day.

The airstrike occurred on February 28, the day the U.S.-Iran war began, targeting a naval base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the school. There are allegations that the school was mistakenly hit due to misidentification of the target.

Iranian authorities have stated that more than 175 people, including children, died in the attack. While there were immediate accusations that the U.S. was responsible, the Trump administration did not officially acknowledge this. President Donald Trump initially claimed the strike was “something Iran did,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that an investigation into accountability was ongoing.

The U.S. military later stated it would clarify the circumstances and accountability regarding the incident. However, according to NBC, there are concerns within Congress and the Defense Department that Hegseth may classify the report as a confidential document, preventing external access. One source noted that delays in the investigation and actions by the Defense Department suggest a high likelihood that the report will not be released.

As the uncertainty surrounding the report's release grows, the Senate has begun to respond. The Washington Post reported that the Senate is considering withholding 75% of the budget for Hegseth's travel included in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act if the Defense Department fails to provide information related to the school airstrike.

Additionally, the Senate is demanding the submission of materials related to a U.S. military attack on a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Central and South American region. This follows allegations that additional attacks were carried out against survivors of the targeted vessel last September, and they are requesting the original video footage.

During a press conference following the G7 summit in France, President Trump commented on the school airstrike, stating, “Mistakes happen. War is a terrible thing.” This statement contrasts with his previous denials of U.S. responsibility, suggesting that calls for accountability from the military may intensify ahead of the report's potential release.

* This article has been translated by AI.