Pentagon Faces Backlash Over Silence on Deadly Iran School Strike

A missile strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28 killed 168 people, including around 110 children, according to Iranian officials. Despite reports suggesting US forces may have unintentionally caused the tragedy, the Pentagon has remained largely silent, stating only that the incident is under investigation.

This prolonged silence has drawn sharp criticism from former US military and defense officials who say the lack of transparency is highly unusual and departs from past US responses to civilian casualties. Congressional Democrats have demanded answers, but the Pentagon has yet to confirm responsibility or provide detailed information.

Unprecedented Pentagon Silence Raises Eyebrows

Unlike previous incidents involving civilian casualties, the Pentagon has not released even basic details about the Minab strike after more than two months. Former Judge Advocate General Lt Col Rachel E VanLandingham described the current approach as a stark departure from past administrations’ commitment to accountability and transparency.

While the Pentagon confirms an ongoing investigation, it has declined to comment on whether the Iranian military base adjacent to the school was a pre-planned target, despite publicly discussing other targets in the conflict.

Conflicting Statements and Unanswered Questions

Former President Trump publicly blamed Iran for the strike without evidence, while later denying knowledge of video showing a US Tomahawk missile hitting the nearby military base. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has only reiterated that the incident is under investigation, refusing to confirm or deny US involvement.

• US media reported a preliminary inquiry found likely US responsibility due to outdated target coordinates.
• Pentagon officials have given closed-door briefings but offered no admissions of responsibility.
• Congressional Democrats’ letters seeking answers have gone largely unanswered.

Historical Comparisons Highlight Pentagon’s Atypical Response

The BBC reviewed three past cases of civilian deaths caused by US military actions, including strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq. In each case, the Pentagon publicly acknowledged responsibility and apologized within weeks, providing detailed information to Congress and the public.

“To not even be able to have any comment on it whatsoever is just unacceptable.”—Wes Bryant, former Pentagon adviser on civilian harm mitigation

Experts suggest the current administration’s reluctance to acknowledge the strike may stem from political sensitivities and a desire to avoid contradicting the president’s earlier statements blaming Iran.

The Road Ahead: Calls for Accountability and Transparency

With an independent investigator appointed outside CENTCOM, there is hope for a more impartial inquiry. However, former officials and advocacy groups stress the importance of timely acknowledgment and measures to prevent future civilian harm.

Access to the site remains restricted by Iranian authorities, complicating verification efforts. Meanwhile, congressional pressure continues, with Democrats demanding clear answers and Republicans largely silent on the issue.

“Administrations in the past at least demonstrated fidelity, a commitment to the law of war.”—Lt Col Rachel E VanLandingham, retired US Air Force legal adviser