Evidence Mounts Against US in Minab School Bombing, Contradicting Trump
The bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab on 28 February resulted in the deaths of numerous individuals, predominantly girls aged seven to twelve. This incident has been labeled by Unesco as a grave violation of international law and stands as the worst mass killing in the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Trump's Unsubstantiated Claim
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran was responsible for the school bombing, stating, In my opinion, based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran ... they're very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. However, he provided no evidence to support this claim, and US military spokespeople have only confirmed they are investigating the event.
Geolocation and Video Analysis
A growing body of evidence suggests the strike was carried out by the US. Verified videos from the aftermath show the destroyed school with distinctive colourful murals, and one video pans to reveal smoke rising from the adjacent Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval barracks. Satellite imagery confirms the school's location, walled off from the barracks for at least nine years, with clear educational indicators like sports fields.
Tomahawk Missile Identification
On 8 March, Iranian state media released a video geolocated by Bellingcat to the IRGC compound next to the school. Munitions experts identified the missile as a Tomahawk, a weapon only the US possesses among the belligerents. NR Jenzen-Jones of Armament Research Services noted, Given the belligerents, that indicates it is a US strike, as Israel is not known to possess Tomahawk missiles.
US Military Operations
While the US has not admitted to striking the school, a Pentagon briefing on 4 March included a graphic showing US and Israeli strikes in the area corresponding to Minab's location. This aligns with intelligence briefings indicating US focus on Iran's southern coastline, where Minab is situated.
Debunking Misfire Claims
Social media claims of an Iranian missile misfire were debunked when images were geolocated to Zanjan, over 994 miles away, with snow-covered mountains not present in Minab's warmer climate. Trump has not referenced these images, leaving his assertion without corroboration.
The evidence collectively points to US involvement in the tragic bombing, highlighting discrepancies in official statements and underscoring the need for accountability in international conflicts.
