US missile hit military base near Iran school, video analysis shows
US Missile Strike Near Iranian School Sparks Debate Over Responsibility
Analysis of a video released by Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency has revealed that a US Tomahawk missile struck a military facility close to a primary school in southern Iran, reportedly killing 168 individuals, including approximately 110 children. BBC Verify confirmed the authenticity of the footage, which captures the missile moments before impact at the Shajareh Tayebeh school in Minab.
Expert Analysis Links Attack to US Operation
Experts examining the video suggest the attack was conducted by the US, as the presence of a Tomahawk missile, combined with evidence of multiple strikes on the site, points to a coordinated operation. Both Israel and Iran are not known to operate Tomahawk missiles, making the possibility of an Iranian strike causing such a high casualty count less likely, according to one analyst.
“We think it was done by Iran because they’re very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever,”
— US President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One.
US Preliminary Assessment and Israeli Denial
CBS News reported that the US government initially suspected Iran of carrying out the attack but later indicated the strike might have been accidental. An Israeli official denied involvement, stating their military was not operating in the vicinity of the school at the time. Iran has since accused both the US and Israel of responsibility, with neither country confirming or refuting the claims.
Experts analyzing the video noted that a medical clinic within the military base—allegedly part of the IRGC navy—was likely the target of the Tomahawk missile. The clinic is situated roughly 200 meters from the school. The footage was first scrutinized by the online investigation group Bellingcat, which identified the missile’s terminal phase in the sequence of events.
Timeline of US Strikes and Verification Challenges
General Dan Caine, the US military’s top officer, confirmed that Tomahawks were launched against Iran’s southern flank during the initial phase of hostilities. A Department of Defense map from March 4 displayed Minab as a target within the first 100 hours of the conflict. However, an internet blackout in Iran has complicated efforts to independently verify the incident, limiting access for journalists and researchers.
