# U.S. airstrikes in Iran investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-airstrikes-in-iran-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-16T04:58:38.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Following a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign on February 28, 2026, investigations by the Pentagon and a UN-backed mission identified significant failures leading to deadly airstrikes in Iran. In Minab, Tomahawk missiles struck Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, killing over 150 people, including approximately 123 children. A second strike in Lamerd hit a sports complex and residential area, killing 22 civilians.

The Pentagon attributed the Minab strike to outdated intelligence, compressed targeting procedures, reduced staffing for civilian-protection specialists, and an overreliance on AI-enabled military systems. Specifically, outdated satellite imagery failed to show a wall constructed to separate the school from a nearby Iranian Revolutionary Guard base, leading military databases to incorrectly categorize the school as a military facility. The UN-backed Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran stated there are ‘reasonable grounds to believe’ the United States committed war crimes, classifying the attacks as indiscriminate.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly communicated a decision to delay the release of the Pentagon’s completed internal probe until after the November U.S. congressional elections. This postponement has drawn intense criticism from human rights organizations and more than 70 Democratic members of Congress and senators, who are demanding explanations regarding civilian casualties. In response to the delay, Congress is considering legislation to mandate the submission of final reports on such incidents.

## Claims

- The Pentagon has delayed the release of an investigation report regarding a lethal strike on a school in Minab, Iran. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The internal investigation into the February 28 strike was completed several months ago. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The strike was carried out using American Tomahawk missiles. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The attack resulted in more than 150 deaths, including over 120 girls. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The strike was attributed to faulty intelligence, outdated satellite imagery, and excessive reliance on AI for target selection. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Satellite imagery failed to account for a wall built years ago that separates the school from an Iranian Revolutionary Guard base. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Over 70 Democratic members of Congress and senators requested explanations from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding civilian casualties in Iran. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report release has been postponed until after the U.S. congressional elections in November. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Pentagon delays report on lethal Iranian school strike

The Pentagon has delayed releasing an investigation into a February strike on an Iranian school that killed over 150 people, including 120 girls, following reports of intelligence and AI failures.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-delays-report-on-fatal-iranian-school-attack

### 2026-09-21: Pentagon and UN probe deadly U.S. airstrikes in Iran

Investigations by the Pentagon and the UN suggest U.S. airstrikes in Iran killed at least 178 civilians, including many children, due to outdated intelligence and systemic failures, potentially constituting war

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-and-un-probe-deadly-us-airstrikes-in-iran

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Cite as: U.S. airstrikes in Iran investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-airstrikes-in-iran-investigation