Newly released footage suggests that a U.S. Tomahawk missile may have struck a compound in southern Iran in close proximity to a school where a tragic explosion claimed over 165 lives at the onset of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The strike on Feb. 28, which targeted a school near a Revolutionary Guard base in Minab, Iran, has drawn increasing evidence pointing towards U.S. involvement. Experts analyzing satellite images believe the school was hit amidst a series of bombings on the compound.
The video, initially examined by the investigative group Bellingcat, captures the missile hitting a building, causing a dense plume of smoke to rise. Geolocation by the Associated Press confirmed the video’s location near the school, with smoke already visible in the school’s vicinity. Satellite imagery of the compound aligns with visual elements in the video, such as a flat-roofed structure, power lines, and vehicles.
A researcher from Bellingcat, Trevor Ball, identified the munition as a Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon exclusively held by the U.S. military in this conflict. U.S. Central Command has acknowledged the use of Tomahawk missiles and released a photo of the USS Spruance launching a Tomahawk missile within range of the school on the same day.
Following the footage’s release, questions arose about U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion of Iranian responsibility for the school blast. Trump suggested that Iran could access Tomahawk missiles, manufactured by American defense contractor Raytheon. However, despite Raytheon selling the missile to allied nations, there is no evidence supporting Iran’s possession of it.
The U.S. military’s Central Command and the Israeli military have not responded to requests for comments regarding the incident. Various factors, including the proximity of the school to a Revolutionary Guard base and naval facilities, hint at a U.S. involvement. The lack of bomb fragment images and independent investigations on-site during the conflict complicates the assessment of the incident.
In light of these developments, international law experts have emphasized the seriousness of potential violations, highlighting the importance of verifying targets to prevent unlawful attacks. The Trump administration’s stance on international humanitarian law has been characterized by a strong emphasis on military effectiveness and a departure from traditional rules of engagement.
