Trump Accuses Iran of Deadly School Airstrike as US Investigates Civilian Deaths
Former President Donald Trump has publicly blamed Iran for a devastating airstrike that struck an all-girls' school in the Iranian city of Minab on February 28, the first day of renewed hostilities. The attack resulted in the deaths of 175 individuals, predominantly children aged seven to twelve, along with school staff members.
Trump's Claims and Official Responses
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One about US military actions against Iran, Trump categorically denied American involvement in the school bombing. "No, in my opinion, based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran," Trump asserted when questioned about potential US responsibility.
He elaborated further, stating, "We figure it was done by Iran, because they're very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran."
Standing behind Trump during the exchange, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth initially responded cautiously to reporters' inquiries about the president's claims. "We're certainly investigating," Hegseth stated before aligning with Trump's assessment. "But, the only side that targets civilians is Iran," he added, reinforcing the administration's position.
Conflicting Reports and Ongoing Investigations
Trump's accusations directly contradict emerging reports from major news organizations. Both Reuters and The Wall Street Journal have published accounts suggesting US forces were "likely responsible" for the deadly strike.
According to US officials speaking to The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. military investigators think American forces likely were responsible for a strike that killed dozens of children at a girls' elementary school in Iran." The report emphasized that "the investigation hasn't reached a final conclusion" as of Friday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the incident during a Wednesday briefing, stating the airstrike was not launched by the United States "that we know of" and confirming that "the Department of War is investigating" the attack.
Secretary Hegseth reiterated this position in a separate press conference, declaring, "We of course never target civilian targets, but we're taking a look and investigating that."
Global Reaction and Controversial Commentary
The school attack has generated international outrage and debate about civilian casualties in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham responded critically to reports of potential US involvement, writing on social media platform X, "If true, this is horrific news—and the U.S. military will have to address this publicly."
During a televised discussion on Piers Morgan Uncensored, a particularly controversial perspective emerged from conservative commentator Matt Schlapp. As panelists debated responsibility for the strike, Schlapp interrupted to state his belief that the deceased Iranian schoolgirls were "better off dead" than alive wearing burkas, describing Iranian society as "barbaric."
Schlapp, who heads the influential Conservative Union organization that runs the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), appeared to misunderstand Iranian dress requirements. Women and girls in Iran are mandated to wear hijabs covering the head and neck, not burkas that conceal the entire body.
Human Toll and Unanswered Questions
Dramatic images circulated following the attack showed numerous freshly dug graves prepared for the victims' burial. The incident represents one of the deadliest episodes in the current conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Officials confirmed that most victims were young children, though significant questions remain unanswered regarding:
- Which nation actually fired the airstrike
- Why the school was targeted specifically
- What type of munition was used in the attack
- What evidence supports the various claims of responsibility
As investigations continue on multiple fronts, the tragedy has highlighted the devastating human cost of military conflict and the complex challenges of determining accountability in modern warfare.
