US investigation into elementary school attack that killed 168 children

Initial assessments have emerged from a US military investigation into an elementary school struck during attacks on the first day of the war against Iran. It has been alleged that the school, which was targeted in US and Israeli strikes, may have been hit "by mistake" due to outdated intelligence concerning a nearby naval base.

According to a CNN report, the military investigation into the elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab, where more than 160 children lost their lives, is ongoing. Two sources familiar with the investigation stated that preliminary findings indicate the school may have been targeted incorrectly due to outdated intelligence.

Iranian state media had announced that at least 168 children and 14 teachers lost their lives in the attack.

Initial examinations revealed that the elementary school was hit during strikes in which the US military was targeting a facility belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in the region.

According to sources briefed on the investigation who spoke to CNN, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) established target coordinates for the strike based on outdated information provided by the Defense Intelligence Agency.

It was noted that satellite imagery from 2013 showed the school and the Revolutionary Guard base were once located within the same compound. However, images from 2016 showed that a fence had been built to separate the school from the base area and that a separate entrance had been created for the school. Images taken in December 2025 showed a large number of children playing in the schoolyard.

When asked for comment on the matter, a spokesperson for the Defense Intelligence Agency stated, "The incident is under investigation; we refer you to the Pentagon for further comment."

A spokesperson for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) also declined to comment on the preliminary findings, citing the ongoing investigation.

Reuters had previously reported that officials conducting the military investigation believed the US was behind the attack, while The New York Times had included allegations that the strike was carried out due to outdated intelligence.

TRUMP: "I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS"

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he was unaware of reports suggesting the US was responsible for the attack based on preliminary findings from the ongoing military investigation.

When asked by CNN reporter Kristen Holmes about the reports and whether he accepted responsibility, Trump said, "I have no knowledge of this."