By Muhammad Mamman
The United Nations and several lawmakers in the United States Senate have called for an urgent and transparent investigation into a devastating strike on a school in southern Iran that reportedly killed more than 110 children.
The attack struck a girls’ primary school in the city of Minab on February 28, during the opening phase of military operations linked to the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iranian authorities say the victims were mostly schoolgirls aged between seven and twelve. 
The incident has triggered international outrage and renewed scrutiny of the conduct of the military campaign.
Calls for accountability
More than 40 Democratic senators have demanded answers from the US Department of Defense, urging a swift and independent investigation into the strike and any possible involvement of US forces. 
In a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers said they were “horrified” by reports of the attack and warned that the deaths of schoolchildren represent a grave violation of international humanitarian principles.
“The killing of school children is appalling and unacceptable under any circumstance,” the senators wrote, adding that the tragedy must be fully and impartially reviewed. 
The lawmakers also requested details about the intelligence used to identify targets, as well as the safeguards put in place to prevent civilian casualties during military operations.
UN demands swift investigation
Officials at the United Nations have also called for a rapid inquiry, describing the incident as a deeply troubling event that could represent one of the deadliest civilian casualties involving children in recent years.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the international community expects a transparent investigation and accountability if mistakes were made. 
Questions over responsibility
Neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has formally claimed responsibility for the strike, though preliminary assessments reported by US officials suggest American forces may have been involved. 
Investigators are examining whether outdated intelligence or targeting errors could have contributed to the attack. Video circulating online reportedly shows what analysts believe could be a Tomahawk cruise missile striking the area — a weapon used by the United States military. 
The school was reportedly located near a compound linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raising questions about whether the strike was aimed at a nearby military installation.
Rising civilian toll
The school bombing has become a symbol of the growing civilian toll in the expanding conflict. Iranian officials say more than 1,200 people have been killed across the country since the hostilities began, with many of the victims civilians. 
As pressure mounts for answers, lawmakers and international observers say a credible investigation will be critical to determining responsibility and preventing similar tragedies.
“This must not be ignored,” one senator said. “The world deserves to know how and why this happened.”
