U.S. official says outdated intel likely led to bombing of Iranian girls school

The bombing of the school and its casualties involving children has become a focal point of the war.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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According to a U.S. official and a second person briefed on the findings of a preliminary U.S. military investigation, outdated intelligence likely led to the United States carrying out a deadly missile strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 165 people, many of them children, in the opening hours of the conflict. The revelation could threaten to erode public support in the U.S. effort against Iran at a time when President Trump faces persistent questions about the purpose and of the conflict and what would bring it to an end.

Why it matters

The bombing of the school and its casualties involving children has become a focal point of the war, and if ultimately confirmed to be at the hands of the U.S., would also stand among the highest civilian casualty events caused by the American military operations in the last two decades. This incident could threaten to erode public support for the U.S. effort against Iran.

The details

U.S. Central Command relied on target coordinates for the strike using outdated data provided by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The preliminary finding prompted immediate calls for more information from the Pentagon, and dozens of Democratic senators demanded answers from the Trump administration on whether the U.S. was culpable for the strike and what previous analysis of the building had been done. The revelation could threaten to erode public support in the U.S. effort against Iran at a time when Trump faces persistent questions about the purpose and of the conflict and what would bring it to an end.

  • The bombing occurred on February 28, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the incident.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary.

Tim Kaine

A U.S. Senator.

Kevin Cramer

A U.S. Senator.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.