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 Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command (Centcom), tells Congress during a hearing.

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.