New Evidence Suggests US Responsible for Iran School Strike

Bellingcat video analysis contradicts Trump's claim that Iran was behind the attack that killed over 165 people.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Newly released video analyzed by the investigative group Bellingcat appears to show a Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon only the U.S. possesses, striking an Iranian school adjacent to a Revolutionary Guard base. This contradicts President Trump's claim that Iran was responsible for the February 28 attack that killed over 165 people, mostly children. Experts say the location and timing of the strike also point to U.S. culpability, though the Pentagon has not confirmed this.

Why it matters

The attack on the Iranian school has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which are already engaged in a wider conflict in the region. If the U.S. is found responsible, it could have significant diplomatic and geopolitical consequences, potentially escalating the war. The incident also raises questions about civilian casualties and the U.S. military's targeting procedures.

The details

The Bellingcat video shows a munition falling on a building near the school, sending up a dark plume of smoke. Experts have identified the munition as a Tomahawk cruise missile, which only the U.S. is known to possess in the region. The school was located next to a Revolutionary Guard base, and the U.S. military has acknowledged strikes in the vicinity. However, no independent agency has been able to investigate the site during the ongoing conflict.

  • The attack occurred on February 28, 2026.
  • The Bellingcat video was circulated by Iran's Mehr news agency on March 9, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who claimed Iran was responsible for the attack, without providing evidence.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who said the military was investigating the incident.

Bellingcat

An investigative group that analyzed video footage and satellite imagery to contradict Trump's claim.

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What’s next

The U.S. military is conducting an assessment to determine if it was responsible for the strike on the Iranian school. The findings of this investigation could have significant diplomatic and geopolitical consequences.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for escalation between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability around civilian casualties in military operations.