US at Fault for Bombing Iran School, a Targeting Error with AI Factors Involved

A preliminary investigation by the United States military has concluded that American forces were likely responsible for the devastating missile strike on an Iranian elementary school on 28 February 2026.

The attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, which resulted in at least 165 deaths, the majority of whom were young children, has become the deadliest civilian casualty event in the ongoing Iran conflict.

While the White House has yet to issue a final determination, multiple US officials briefed on the probe have confirmed that the strike was almost certainly a catastrophic targeting error involving the use of obsolete military intelligence.

The Deadly Strike And Its Aftermath

During a tense period of escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, a missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran and flattened the two-storey building in the morning hours, a time when classrooms were full.

Most victims were young girls, their lives cut short in an instant. The attack became one of the bloodiest incidents of the early days of the conflict. Iran's officials described it as a 'crime against innocent children,' and the nation's anger boiled over.

Satellite imagery from that day shows the school was intact in the morning before the strike. Iran immediately blamed the US and Israel, accusing them of a deliberate attack. US and Israeli officials denied involvement. Yet, mounting evidence and reports from US officials suggest a different story, one of a tragic targeting mistake.

Unravelling The Evidence

Investigators now believe the missile was a Tomahawk launched by the US military. The strike was part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian military installations, specifically a nearby base linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The school, located close to military facilities, was once part of that base, separated only by fences from 2013 to 2016. Experts have suggested that outdated targeting information may have played a critical role.

Sources indicate that the US military relied on outdated data from the Defence Intelligence Agency. Target coordinates were set using this outdated information, leading to the missile hitting the school. The US Central Command officers responsible for the strike did not update or verify the target, a significant oversight. A retired Marine colonel explained that the school had been used by the military years earlier, but the targeting system failed to reflect this change.

AI's Shadow In Modern Warfare

The incident highlights the broader role of artificial intelligence in military operations. The US military has been increasingly deploying AI tools to enhance targeting and operational efficiency. According to The Washington Post, AI systems like Claude, developed by Anthropic, and Palantir's Maven are now integral to real-time targeting support in conflicts in Iran and Venezuela. These systems can process vast amounts of data swiftly, allowing the military to strike multiple targets in a short period.

However, AI is not infallible. Its effectiveness depends on extensive infrastructure, experienced personnel, and accurate data. The recent school strike highlights the risks: outdated or incorrect data fed into AI-driven targeting systems can lead to devastating mistakes. Experts warn that reliance on AI without rigorous verification processes could cause tragedies like this school bombing.

Who did it?

President Donald Trump initially suggested that Iran was responsible, citing Iran's inaccuracy with munitions. Later, he indicated he was comfortable with whatever the investigation revealed. When asked, Reuters reported confirming responsibility, Trump claimed he was unaware. His administration maintains they are still investigating.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would not intentionally target a school. Israel, meanwhile, has denied any involvement altogether. Israeli military officials have repeatedly affirmed they had no connection to the strike.

In Iran, there is little doubt about who is responsible. The government has accused the US and Israel of a 'double-tap' attack, two strikes in quick succession, aimed at causing maximum damage and casualties. Iran's officials have called for UN action, condemning the attack as a war crime.

The tragedy has sparked outrage among US politicians. Nearly all Democratic senators signed a letter demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. They want answers on whether US forces conducted the strike, how civilian harm was mitigated, and what role AI tools played. A senior analyst explained that if the US is found responsible, it could damage the military's reputation and fuel anti-war sentiments.