UN, US Senators Demand Investigation into Strike Killing 110 Iranian Schoolchildren

The United Nations and 43 U.S. Senators have called for an urgent probe into an airstrike on Shajarah Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed 168 people, including 110 girls aged 7 to 12.
Democratic senators, led by Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, issued a formal letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth questioning if the strike was carried out by U.S. forces due to “outdated intelligence.”
Military experts and former CIA Director David Petraeus suggest a U.S. Tomahawk missile was likely responsible, as neither Israel nor Iran possesses the specific weapon identified in video analysis of the February 28 incident.

The world is reeling following the revelation of a massive civilian casualty event in Minab, Iran, where a girls’ elementary school was leveled during the opening phase of joint U.S.-Israeli military operations.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that on Friday, March 13, 2026, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UNESCO joined a growing chorus of world leaders and American lawmakers demanding accountability for what is being described as a “horrific tragedy.”

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The strike, which occurred on February 28, hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh school while classes were in session. Reports indicate that of the 168 total fatalities, the vast majority were young girls.

While the Pentagon has maintained that it does not intentionally target civilians, internal military investigators have reportedly acknowledged that U.S. forces were “likely” responsible.

Preliminary assessments suggest the building may have been misidentified as an active military facility based on intelligence that incorrectly linked the school to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) compound.

In Washington, the political fallout has been swift.

Forty-three Democratic senators signed a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seeking clarification on the rules of engagement and the failure of safeguards intended to prevent war crimes.

The lawmakers noted with grave concern that the war against Iran began without Congressional authorization and insisted that the findings of the current investigation be made public immediately.

UN, US Senators Demand Investigation into Strike Killing 110 Iranian Schoolchildren

Senator Gary Peters of the Armed Services Committee emphasized that the American people deserve a full account of the facts to determine the necessary next steps.

Global human rights advocates have also weighed in. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai denounced the bombing on social media, stating that the killing of children is “unconscionable” and that every child deserves to learn in peace.

UNICEF reported that the conflict has already claimed the lives of approximately 180 children, with at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals damaged across Iran since the escalation began.

The Iranian government has blamed both the U.S. and Israel for the carnage, though Israeli officials have denied involvement, stating the operation was not discussed with their forces.

Video analysis released by Iran’s Mehr News Agency appears to show a Tomahawk missile moments before the impact, a weapon used exclusively by U.S. forces in this specific conflict.

As the investigation continues, the incident threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis and further polarize a world already on edge over the rapidly moving war.