Experts Analyze Video of US Missile Hitting Building Near Iranian Girls' School

Video appears to show a US-made Tomahawk missile striking a building adjacent to a girls' school in Iran, killing 168 people.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A newly surfaced video appears to show a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile hitting a building in Iran adjacent to a girls' school where local officials say 168 people were killed, according to experts who analyzed the footage. The video was first posted by the Iranian outlet Mehr News and then shared online by a former U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Experts say the size, shape, and characteristics of the missile indicate it was a Tomahawk, which is used by the United States and not known to be fielded by Iran or Israel.

Why it matters

The video raises serious questions about U.S. responsibility for the deadly strike near the girls' school, which has sparked outrage and condemnation. The incident has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran and could have significant geopolitical implications.

The details

The eyewitness video shows the missile impacting a building in the IRGC complex, but not directly hitting the girls' school. Experts say the missile has the characteristics of a U.S.-made Tomahawk, which is used by the American military but not known to be used by Iran or Israel. However, they caution that the video alone does not definitively prove U.S. responsibility for the strike on the nearby school, as access to munition fragments would be needed for a more conclusive attribution.

  • The video was first posted on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The deadly strike on the girls' school occurred on February 28, 2026.

The players

Trevor Ball

A former U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician who now works as a researcher with the investigative group Bellingcat.

Sam Lair

A research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

N.R. Jenzen-Jones

The director of Armament Research Services.

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What they’re saying

“I do believe this points towards U.S. responsibility for the strike in the area.”

— Sam Lair, Research Associate, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (ABC News)

“That indicates it is a U.S. strike.”

— N.R. Jenzen-Jones, Director, Armament Research Services (ABC News)

“We can only be definitive about the one in the video. Of course, it makes it more likely the surrounding targets were hit by the U.S., but it doesn't give certainty.”

— N.R. Jenzen-Jones, Director, Armament Research Services (ABC News)

What’s next

The Pentagon has been contacted for comment on the video and the incident, but has not yet responded.

The takeaway

This video evidence raises serious concerns about U.S. involvement in the deadly strike near the Iranian girls' school, which has sparked international outrage. While the video alone does not definitively prove U.S. responsibility, it heightens the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and its consequences.