Overview
- The strike hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school on Feb. 28 and Iranian officials say roughly 168 to 175 people, mostly children and staff, were killed.
- An initial U.S. military inquiry found that a U.S. munition was likely responsible, prompting the Pentagon to elevate the probe for broader review.
- Investigators concluded that targeting relied on imagery that had not been updated for years and that an analyst’s warning that the building looked like a school did not reach targeting officials.
- The investigation is reported to be near final sign-off by senior military leaders while President Trump said the attack was not deliberate and declined to promise disciplinary consequences.
- Lawmakers, human rights advocates, and international observers are pressing for a public accounting even as officials consider classifying the report and the episode highlights recent Pentagon cuts and inspector general findings that weakened civilian‑harm oversight.