Experts dispute US account of deadly Iran sports hall strike in Lamerd

"After looking into the reports, U.S. Central Command has confirmed the accusations are false."

— Tim Hawkins , Executive

"U.S. forces did not launch any strikes at any time into the city of Lamerd or anywhere within 30 miles during the opening day of Operation Epic Fury."

— Tim Hawkins , Executive

"U.S. forces never target civilian targets."

— Pete Hegseth , Executive

"Crucially, no matter the angle from which the missile is viewed from, the wings and the turbo jet would be visible."

— Amael Kotlarski , Academic

"US forces 'never target civilian targets'."

— Pete Hegseth , Executive

"U.S. Central Command has confirmed the accusations are false."

— Tim Hawkins , Executive

"The American new #PrSM missile … struck a crowded sports hall filled with innocent teenagers."

— Esmaeil Baqaei , Politician

"The attack killed 21 young boys and girls."

— Esmaeil Baqaei , Politician

"The missile explodes above its target, dispersing thousands of lethal fragments (tungsten pellets) to maximize human casualties."

— Esmaeil Baqaei , Politician

"Baqaei accused the US of deliberately targeting civilians and described the attack as a 'despicable war crime.'"

— Esmaeil Baqaei , Politician

"The strike on Feb. 28 marked the combat debut of the U.S. Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which exploded above the crowded hall in the city of Lamerd, 'dispersing thousands of lethal fragments (tungsten pellets) to maximize casualties.'"

— Esmaeil Baghaei , Politician

"The U.S.-Israeli attacks were an 'act of aggression and an illegal war.'"

— Esmaeil Baghaei , Politician