New evidence challenges Trump claim about deadly girls school strike
New Evidence Challenges Trump’s Claim About Deadly Girls’ School Strike
A missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh School, a primary institution for girls in Minab, Hormozgan Province, Iran, occurred on 28 February. Iranian officials reported at least 165 fatalities, with a significant number being children.
Trump’s Denial on Air Force One
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, President Donald Trump asserted that the attack was not American in origin. “From what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran,” he told reporters.
Video Evidence Points to US Involvement
Recently disclosed footage suggests a different narrative. It indicates a US Tomahawk missile targeted the school, striking a nearby naval base in Minab. The video, shared by Mehr News Agency and geolocated by Sky News’ Data and Forensics team, captures the missile impact at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base, just meters from the school.
In the clip, dense smoke rises from the school’s direction, implying it was hit shortly before the recording. N.R. Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services (ARES), analyzed the video and confirmed the use of a Tomahawk missile. “The video shows a Tomahawk missile striking a target,” he said. “Given the belligerents, that indicates it is a US strike, as Israel is not known to possess Tomahawk missiles.”
Operational Context and Munition Analysis
Additional video from US Central Command, shot on the same day, displays Tomahawk missiles launched from a warship during operations in Iran. While it doesn’t prove direct targeting, it shows their deployment. Jenzen-Jones also noted that the munition in question is distinct from the Iranian Soumar missile, dismissing claims of its involvement.
Tomahawk missile wings fold during launch and unfold once airborne. This characteristic is evident in the footage, further supporting the theory of US involvement. Satellite images reveal extensive damage to multiple structures, including circular holes in three buildings at the naval base. A similar pattern is visible in the remaining section of the school building.
Structural Changes and Timeline
Imagery from 2013 positioned the school within the IRGC compound. However, a wall was constructed between 2013 and 2016, separating the school from the naval base. Later images from 2018 show the walls painted in bright colors, with chalk markings around the school area, suggesting decorative elements like a sports court.
International Response and Aftermath
UN experts condemned the strike, labeling it a “grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community.” They emphasized that schools are civilian targets, and children are safeguarded under international humanitarian law. Videos of the aftermath show workers sifting through rubble, with a dust-covered backpack among the debris.
On 3 March, Mehr News Agency shared photos of graves being dug at Minab Cemetery. The images depict 77 completed graves, alongside 23 additional pits under excavation. These visuals reinforce the scale of casualties linked to the attack.
Investigation and Ongoing Debate
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated the school strike is still under review, claiming, “the only side that targets civilians is Iran.” The newly released evidence, however, casts doubt on this assertion, prompting further scrutiny into the event’s origins.
Additional production by Michelle Inez Simon. The Data x Forensics team at Sky News combines data gathering, analysis, and visualization to deliver transparent journalism. They integrate traditional reporting with advanced satellite image analysis, social media tracking, and open-source research to create multimedia-driven narratives.