A deadly missile strike that destroyed a girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, is now under investigation, with questions emerging about whether artificial intelligence systems played any role in selecting the target. The attack occurred on 28 February 2026 during the opening phase of U.S.-led strikes in the Iran conflict. Reports indicate that more than 160 people—mostly schoolchildren—were killed when the Shajareh Tayyebeh school building was hit.
Early findings from a U.S. military investigation suggest the tragedy may have been caused by outdated intelligence used to identify the target. The coordinates reportedly pointed to a nearby Iranian military facility, but the missile instead struck the school located close to that site. Officials say the intelligence data used to select the target may not have been updated for years, which could have resulted in the misidentification of the building.
The incident has drawn international scrutiny because of reports that the U.S. military has been increasingly integrating AI-driven systems to assist with analyzing data and prioritizing targets in modern warfare. While it is not confirmed that AI directly selected the school as a target, investigators are examining whether automated tools or AI-assisted analysis influenced the targeting process or the intelligence pipeline used during the strike.
The attack has sparked global outrage and calls for accountability. Human rights organizations and United Nations officials have warned that attacks on schools and civilians could violate international humanitarian law, especially if proper verification procedures were not followed. The U.S. military says the investigation is ongoing, and the findings could have major implications for how AI technologies are used in future military operations.
