OUTDATED INTELLIGENCE LIKELY PROMPTED US STRIKE ON IRANIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SOURCES SAY. (PHOTO).

 Outdated intelligence likely prompted US strike on Iranian elementary school, sources say

 Outdated intelligence appears to have contributed to a deadly U.S. missile strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed more than 165 people, many of them children, during the opening hours of the conflict, according to preliminary findings from a U.S. military investigation.

The bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School has become a central point of scrutiny in the war, and if confirmed, would rank among the deadliest incidents involving civilians caused by U.S. military operations in the past two decades. President Donald Trump initially blamed Iran for the attack, later expressed uncertainty, and has said he would accept the results of the Pentagon’s investigation. The preliminary review indicates that U.S. Central Command relied on target coordinates using outdated data from the Defense Intelligence Agency.

The revelation prompted immediate calls for more information from Congress. Over 45 Democratic senators demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, questioning whether the U.S. was responsible and what prior analysis had been done on the school. Lawmakers also raised concerns that budget and personnel cuts had weakened the Pentagon office established in 2022 to reduce civilian casualties, including U.S. Central Command’s resources and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence.

Evidence suggests the strike may have been avoidable. Satellite analysis shows the school and surrounding areas had features clearly identifying them as civilian structures, including colorful murals, a playground, and an active online presence with information on students and staff. Experts have noted that international law bars attacks on civilian targets, even when located near military sites. The school had previously been part of a military compound, but renovations and clear civilian markings had separated it by 2017.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern. Sen. Tim Kaine said the strike raises questions about whether U.S. targeting rules have changed or a mistake occurred, while Sen. Kevin Cramer emphasized that any investigation must establish responsibility and prevent future errors, though he acknowledged that the damage cannot be undone.

Reports indicate that prior to the strike, efforts to maintain updated “no-strike lists” of protected sites, including schools and hospitals, were severely limited due to budget and staffing cuts under Hegseth. Former Pentagon staff noted that the office responsible for civilian protection had its workforce reduced and its ability to update these lists effectively halted, leaving only minimal resources to carry out its mission.

The preliminary investigation remains ongoing, with the Pentagon stating that U.S. forces are reviewing all relevant information to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.