Despite being in the middle of an investigation, Trump denies responsibility for Iran school massacre

Donald Trump has flatly denied U.S. involvement in a strike that tragically killed 180 people, the vast majority of them children, at a girls’ elementary school in Southern Iran, instead placing the blame squarely on Iran.

When asked aboard Air Force One if the U.S. conducted the strike, Trump asserted, without providing specific evidence, “No, in my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was standing with the president, took a slightly more cautious stance. He mentioned that the government is still “investigating” the attack, but quickly added, “The only side that targets civilians is Iran.” Following Hegseth’s statement, Trump reiterated his firm belief, stating simply, “It was done by Iran.”

This direct and blunt denial from Trump marks a significant departure from previous White House statements. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked about potential U.S. responsibility, responded by saying, “Not that I know of,” and confirmed that the Department of Defense was investigating the incident. This earlier position aligns closely with Hegseth’s initial cautious remarks, too.

Since Trump has now made a statement, all of his Lemmings will fall into line

The administration’s claims come amidst a growing body of evidence that indicates they’re lying. Satellite images, analysis from experts, and even information released by both the U.S. and Israeli militaries indicate that the strike was likely a result of U.S. airstrikes.

The strike itself has been devastating, resulting in the highest reported civilian death toll since the conflict began last week. 180 individuals, many of them children, lost their lives at the Minab girls’ school. 

Democratic lawmakers have been quick to condemn the attack, suggesting that the U.S. bears responsibility for the tragic outcome. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) voiced her outrage on X, stating, “More than 100 innocent school children are dead because of the U.S.’s unlawful attack of Iran.” This sentiment reflects broader criticism from anti-war lawmakers who are concerned that the conflict is spiraling out of control without sufficient oversight from Congress.

On the Iranian side, political leaders have unequivocally blamed the U.S. and Israel for the strike. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the attack on the school would “never be erased from the historical memory of our nation.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went even further, calling the bombing a “crime” and warning that it would not go unanswered. Iranian diplomats have also taken the issue to the United Nations, urging the international community to condemn the strike and launch a thorough investigation.