The US military investigation into a blast at a girls' school in Iran is "complex," given that it was located on an active Iranian cruise missile site, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper testified on Tuesday before Congress.
Reuters first reported that an initial, internal US military investigation showed US forces were likely responsible for the destruction of the girls' school in Minab. The Pentagon has since elevated the probe.
The incident took place on February 28, on the first day of the conflict, and killed 168 children, mostly girls, Iranian officials say.
Iran has hanged dozens, targeted Middle East civilians
Cooper also stated that Iran has hanged dozens of people since the start of the ceasefire, and has targeted civilians in the Middle East thousands of times.
Earlier this week, Cooper announced that Iran's ability to threaten its neighbors and US interests has been dramatically reduced by US bombings, and Tehran's defense industry has been set back by 90%.
Cooper declined to directly address reports by Reuters and other news organizations that Iran, which stockpiled arms in underground facilities, had retained significant missile and drone capabilities. Those reports cited US intelligence sources.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.