US missile hit military base near Iran school, video analysis shows

A US Tomahawk missile struck a military base near a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, according to BBC Verify's analysis of a video released by Iranian media. The strike, which occurred recently, reportedly killed 168 people, including around 110 children. Experts identified the missile as a Tomahawk, not possessed by Iran or Israel, and noted evidence of multiple strikes, suggesting a US operation. While the US has not claimed responsibility, a preliminary US assessment suggests it was "likely" responsible but did not intentionally target the school. Iran blames the US and Israel for the attack, while Israel denies involvement. The verified video shows the missile hitting a clinic at the IRGC base, approximately 200 meters from the school, which appears to have been hit prior to the missile strike.

In March 2026, a video surfaced suggesting a US Tomahawk missile struck an Iranian elementary school for girls in Minab. The attack reportedly resulted in 175 fatalities, primarily children. The video's release puts the United States under scrutiny, as it indicates potential US involvement in the incident. Prior to the video's emergence, the US had accused Iran of perpetrating the attack. The incident and subsequent video have raised questions about responsibility and accountability for the deadly event.

A video released by Iranian state media appears to show a U.S. missile strike on a compound in southern Iran on February 28, coinciding with an attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School. The strike resulted in over 160 deaths, primarily children, drawing condemnation from the UN and human rights organizations. The video, titled "The moment when Israeli and American terrorists struck #Minab school," depicts a munition consistent with a Tomahawk cruise missile hitting the area. Iran has blamed the U.S. and Israel for the school attack, while President Trump has accused Iran of responsibility. The investigative group Bellingcat suggests the video evidence contradicts Trump's claim, noting the U.S. is the only known party in the conflict possessing Tomahawk missiles. The U.S. was also bombing a nearby Revolutionary Guard naval base at the time of the school attack.

A video released by Iranian news agency Mehr appears to show a US Tomahawk missile striking a compound in Minab, Iran, on February 28th. The targeted compound was adjacent to the Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school. The strike resulted in the destruction of approximately half of the school and the deaths of over 168 people, mostly children. Munitions experts identified the missile as a Tomahawk, primarily used by the US military. Satellite imagery confirms damage to both the school and buildings within the adjacent Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) naval compound. This evidence contradicts claims made by US President Donald Trump that Iran was responsible for the school bombing.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Shahid Hamedani School, an elementary school in Tehran, was struck in US-Israeli attacks on March 6, 2026. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei shared a video on X purportedly showing the school before and after the attack. This is reportedly the fourth school hit in Iran since the start of the US and Israeli attacks, including the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, which resulted in 165 deaths. Some Israeli-linked sources claimed the Minab school was part of an IRGC base, but investigations suggest it was a separate civilian site. The US military is investigating the Minab incident, with officials suggesting US forces were likely responsible.

US military investigators are examining a strike on an Iranian girls' school in Minab on Saturday that resulted in numerous student deaths, potentially as high as 150 according to Iran's UN ambassador. While the investigation is ongoing, US officials believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for the attack, which occurred during joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Pentagon and White House have acknowledged the investigation, with officials emphasizing that the US does not intentionally target civilians. The UN human rights office has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, placing the responsibility on the forces that carried out the attack. The US and Israel had previously divided their attacks geographically, with the US focusing on targets in southern Iran.

Following an attack on a girls' primary school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed 165 pupils, calls are growing for an independent investigation. The attack occurred on the first day of the US and Israel's war against Iran. UN experts have condemned the bombing as a grave assault on children and demanded urgent accountability. Rights advocates suggest the attack, which targeted girls aged 7-12 during class hours, may constitute a war crime. Iran's UN envoy stated the school was deliberately destroyed in US-Israeli attacks, contributing to a civilian death toll of at least 1,332 in the ongoing conflict.

US military investigators are examining a strike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, on Saturday, March 6, 2026, during US and Israeli attacks on the country. Two US officials told Reuters that the US is likely responsible for the strike, which killed scores of children. The investigation is ongoing, and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the probe on Wednesday. However, the officials cautioned that the investigation is not complete, and new evidence could emerge that absolves the US of responsibility. Reuters was unable to determine specific details about the investigation, including the evidence, type of munition, or reason for the potential US strike.

Since February 28th, Iran has been under heavy US and Israeli strikes targeting military and political sites, with the stated aim of weakening the Islamic regime. While the US denies targeting civilians, Iranian officials report over 160 deaths, including children, from a strike on a girls' school in Minab. Residents describe a climate of fear and heightened security in Tehran, with increased checkpoints and threats against dissent. The attacks have disrupted daily life, causing shortages, price increases for basic goods, and closures of shops and ATMs. Access to independent information is limited due to visa restrictions for international media and internet blackouts, making it difficult to verify the extent of the situation.

Iran postponed the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli airstrike, due to anticipated large crowds. The three-day ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla mosque in Tehran at 10pm local time on Wednesday. State television announced the delay, citing the "expected unprecedented presence of mourners," and indicated a new time would be announced later. The funeral is expected to draw supporters of the Islamic Republic who oppose US and Israeli actions, which have escalated into a regional war. Khamenei's death has been met with condemnation from Russia and China, but also celebrations from opponents of the Iranian regime.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump indicated he is seeking a new leader for Iran who is an improvement over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump stated he wants a leader who can improve the country for its citizens. The statement comes amid discussions about exiled Iranian dissident Reza Pahlavi as a potential successor to the current regime. Pahlavi, an opposition figure, is being considered as a possible alternative leader for Iran. The U.S. President did not explicitly endorse Pahlavi but suggested the U.S. is looking for a leader who can positively transform Iran.

Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Farah Pahlavi, the widow of the last Shah, stated that Khamenei's death, while historically significant, will not automatically lead to the collapse of the Iranian system. Pahlavi, speaking in an interview, emphasized the importance of the Iranian people uniting for a peaceful transition to a law-based state. She urged the international community to respect Iranian sovereignty and support the people's self-determination. Pahlavi also noted that her son, Reza Pahlavi, is preparing for a potential transition should the current republic fall. The attacks and Khamenei's death have created turmoil in the Middle East and raised questions about Iran's future.

Israel's military operation against Iran is aimed at regime change, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called on Iranians to overthrow their government after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US-Israel joint attack has already killed over 555 people in Iran, including 180 at a girls' school. Netanyahu's comments suggest that Israel seeks regime change from within, but it is unclear how invested Israeli officials are in ensuring a smooth transition. Many Iranians have taken to the streets in protests, united by their opposition to the government. The operation has sparked widespread violence and unrest in Iran. The Israeli government's policy on regime change in Iran appears to be a longstanding goal.

In Minab, Iran, thousands mourned the deaths of 165 schoolgirls and staff on March 3, 2026, following an attack on a primary school. Iranian officials attribute the strike to the United States and Israel, though Washington denies targeting the school. The alleged attack resulted in a mass funeral for the victims. The United Nations and human rights officials have called for an independent investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances and responsibility. The purpose of the strike and the validity of Iran's claims remain unconfirmed pending further investigation.

Following a US-Israeli attack on a girls' school in Minab, Iran, a mass funeral was held for the 165 schoolgirls and staff killed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Thousands gathered in Minab, chanting against the US and Israel, with attendees including families and officials. The attack, which occurred on Saturday after the announcement of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, is described as the deadliest incident targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have condemned the attack, accusing the US and Israel of deliberately targeting the school. While Israel has denied involvement, Iran has presented the event as a deliberate act of aggression, displaying images of the victims and newly dug graves.

In March 2026, Al Jazeera reported on the potential impact of the hypothetical killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. While some US officials and Iranian opposition groups believe his death would signify the end of the Islamic Republic, Al Jazeera's Soraya Lennie argues that this is not necessarily the case. The report suggests that the Supreme Leader's death and the existence of the Islamic Republic are not inextricably linked. The analysis explores why the system of government in Iran may persist even without its current leader. The report aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Iranian politics and power structures.

On March 1, 2026, Iranian missiles were observed over Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank. According to reports, the missiles penetrated Israel's defense systems. Iran stated the missile strikes were targeting Israeli military facilities. The event marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The extent of damage or casualties is currently unknown. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On March 1, 2026, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, including the town of Beit Shemesh, resulting in at least nine deaths and 28 injuries. These attacks are part of Iran's retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an earlier Israel-US strike. Tel Aviv residents reported explosions, and Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties. Iran's parliamentary speaker stated the attacks were a response to Israel crossing a "red line." The US military reported minimal damage and no casualties from hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Israel stated it intercepted many of the dozens of missiles launched toward its territory.

In March 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran, targeting locations in Tehran, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the attack, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death. U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to overthrow their government. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, specifically in Beit Shemesh. Protests erupted in Pakistan condemning Khamenei's death, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The attacks mark an escalation of tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in alleged US-Israeli air strikes has triggered outrage and calls for restraint across Muslim-majority South and Southeast Asia. Governments in the region are urging de-escalation amidst protests and declarations of mourning in response to Khamenei's death, which was confirmed by Iranian state media. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the strikes, emphasizing the potential for wider conflict and calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. He specifically criticized Israel's actions as disruptive to negotiations and cautioned against dragging other nations into the conflict. Malaysia is also monitoring the safety of its citizens in Iran and the surrounding region.

The CIA tracked the movements of Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for months and shared this intelligence with Israeli officials. This intelligence sharing influenced the timing of recent strikes. These strikes, conducted by the US and Israel, resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to vow revenge. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, including the first known American deaths, and has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel pledging continued strikes.

A joint US-Israeli mission culminated in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following a strike on a compound in central Tehran. The attack occurred in the morning after the US and Israel received crucial intelligence about Khamenei's planned meeting with senior military and intelligence figures. For months, the US and Israel had been tracking the Supreme Leader's movements, potentially using both human sources and technical tracking methods, including monitoring bodyguards to establish patterns of life. The intelligence, reportedly from the CIA, was passed to Israel to carry out the strike using long-range missiles. This operation highlights a potential division of labor, with Israel focusing on leadership targets and the US on military targets, and also suggests vulnerabilities in Iranian security despite awareness of the threat.

An Israeli official stated that Iran has reduced its ballistic missile launchers by half. This announcement follows the Israeli military's identification of a recent and significant increase in Iran's efforts to reconstruct its missile production capabilities. The official did not specify when or where the reduction of launchers occurred. The reasons behind the reduction in launchers and the acceleration of production capabilities remain unclear based on the information provided. The Israeli military continues to monitor Iran's missile program.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, questions arise about the stability of the Islamic Republic. While some analysts predicted a potential collapse, initial signs suggest a hardening of the current regime, with security institutions consolidating power. In the immediate aftermath, paramilitary units deployed nationwide to prevent unrest, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets. Despite these actions, the attacks struggled to penetrate Israeli defenses or inflict substantial damage on American forces. Analysts warn that a contested interim period, potentially leading to increased military control, poses a greater risk than an orderly transition. The future of Iran's leadership and political structure remains uncertain.

A strike on an elementary school in Minab, a town in southern Iran, resulted in dozens of deaths. The attack occurred during US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday. This was one of two reported attacks that targeted schools during the strikes. The exact number of casualties is not specified. The incident took place in the Minab area, where the school was located. The cause of the strike remains unclear.

On February 28, 2026, a girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, was struck in what is being reported as a US-Israeli strike. Rescue workers are currently searching through the debris of the school. Backpacks and schoolbooks have been seen amongst the rubble. The confirmed death toll has risen above 50. The reason for the strike has not been officially confirmed.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called on Iranians to overthrow the current regime following reported joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Pahlavi described the strikes as "humanitarian intervention" targeting the Islamic Republic, not the Iranian people, and urged the U.S. to protect civilian lives. He appealed to Iran's military and security forces to defect from the regime and join the people, promising a stable transition. While predicting the regime's collapse, Pahlavi advised citizens to remain home for now, awaiting his signal to return to the streets for a final push. He framed the moment as a decisive opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their country.