Iran School Strike Casts Shadow Over Pentagon AI Targeting; 243 Students and Teachers Reported Killed

Iran reported that 243 students and teachers have been killed and nearly 500 schools targeted since the start of hostilities, casting a shadow over the Pentagon's push to expand AI-assisted targeting systems. Defense News reported that the school casualties have intensified congressional scrutiny of autonomous targeting protocols and target verification processes in the campaign. The civilian toll is fueling international pressure for a ceasefire and complicating the diplomatic track.