'What was their crime?': BBC visits Iran school where strike killed 120 children

What Happened

On 28 February, during the opening hours of a US-Israeli war with Iran, a strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, killing at least 156 people, including 120 children, according to the Minab prosecutor's office. The school, which was in session on a Saturday during Ramadan, was struck amid a broader wave of attacks across Iran; witness and teacher Amaineh Nademi described a missile striking the upper-floor classroom, causing a collapse, fire, and mass casualties. Evidence cited by experts indicates US forces hit the school, which is adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) compound that satellite imagery shows was struck multiple times. The US has not admitted responsibility, but US media reports, citing sources familiar with a military investigation, say preliminary findings suggest US forces likely carried out the strike unintentionally, possibly due to outdated Defense Intelligence Agency data that misidentified the school as part of the military site. Iranian authorities facilitated a BBC visit to the site, presenting the incident as proof that the US-led campaign is inflicting heavy civilian casualties.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The strike is the deadliest single incident for civilians in the conflict, with the loss of 120 children and the graphic scenes described by survivors likely to galvanize international condemnation of US operations and fuel anti-American sentiment in Iran and the broader region. If confirmed as a US mistake, it could force a review of targeting protocols, provide Iran a significant propaganda victory, and complicate diplomatic efforts. The incident also highlights the perils of launching strikes near civilian infrastructure, especially when intelligence is flawed.

Watch For

The release of the Pentagon's higher-level investigation into the strike, which could lead to an official acknowledgment of US responsibility and possibly operational changes. Monitor potential international responses, including from the UN, human rights groups, and allies, as well as Iran's use of the incident to rally domestic support and pressure the US diplomatically. Also watch for any legal challenges or calls for accountability, and whether the school strike alters the tempo or targets of the broader US-Israeli campaign.