U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed reports concerning a missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, during a Pentagon briefing. The strike, which occurred on March 10, 2026, reportedly resulted in over 170 civilian casualties, drawing scrutiny and international attention amid ongoing U.S. operations against Iranian military targets.

Hegseth strongly emphasized that the United States adheres to strict targeting protocols designed to avoid civilian harm. “There’s only one entity in this conflict between us and Iran that never targets civilians. Literally never targets civilians,” he stated, attributing the deliberate targeting of noncombatants to Iranian forces rather than U.S. operations.

The Defense Secretary confirmed that an investigation into the Minab incident is underway, led by a CENTCOM general officer external to the operation to ensure objectivity. “We have a very high-fidelity process. We don’t target civilians, Iran does. We will investigate, and we’ll get to the truth, and we’ll share it when we have it,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth’s briefing sought to clarify U.S. adherence to rules of engagement while reinforcing that Iran’s forces have historically placed civilians at risk by embedding military assets near schools, hospitals, and other populated areas, a tactic cited by the Pentagon as complicating targeting efforts.

The ongoing investigation by CENTCOM is expected to provide further details on the strike, its targets, and the circumstances surrounding civilian casualties, with results to be shared once verified.