WANA (Jun 12) – The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early Friday that it is investigating reports concerning an alleged U.S. missile or airstrike that targeted a critical water treatment facility in southern Iran earlier this week.

 

Speaking to CBS News, CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated that the military command is aware of the allegations and is currently assessing their validity.

 

The investigation follows an operational report published by The New York Times, which analyzed satellite imagery and concluded that Wednesday’s predawn strike on the drinking water facility near the strategic Strait of Hormuz was likely intentional.

 

Iranian government officials reported that the destruction of the plant has cut off clean drinking water access for at least 20,000 local residents.

 

The New York Times noted in its report that intentional targeting of vital civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime under international law. This marks the second time in recent months that Washington has faced such accusations.

 

The U.S. government previously promised a thorough investigation into a military strike on a girls’ school in Minab. However, more than three months after that incident, no official findings or updates have been publicly released by U.S. authorities.