US President urges patience as investigation continues
US President Donald Trump has said it may never be conclusively determined who was responsible for the deadly missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed more than 175 children and teachers during the opening day of the Iran conflict. His remarks come as a Pentagon investigation into the February 28 attack continues without a final conclusion.
Trump refrains from assigning blame
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the incident, saying the chaos of the battlefield makes it difficult to establish responsibility. He stated that he had seen no definitive evidence proving the United States was responsible, while also acknowledging that investigators were still examining all available evidence. Trump added that he would accept the findings once the inquiry is complete.
The President’s comments mark a shift from his earlier stance, when he had publicly suggested that Iran was responsible for the strike. As new information emerged, the administration has adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
Investigation remains under review
Reuters previously reported that an initial internal US military assessment indicated American forces were likely responsible for the strike, although officials stressed that the findings were preliminary. The Pentagon has since elevated the investigation but has not publicly confirmed the preliminary assessment or announced any final conclusions.
International humanitarian organisations have described the attack as one of the deadliest civilian tragedies of the conflict. The United Nations has called for a transparent investigation, stressing that attacks on schools are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must be thoroughly examined.
Questions remain over accountability
The incident continues to generate international scrutiny as families of the victims await answers. The outcome of the Pentagon’s investigation is expected to influence discussions on military accountability, civilian protection, and the conduct of modern warfare. Until the inquiry is completed, uncertainty over responsibility for the Minab school tragedy is likely to remain at the centre of global attention.