President Trump stated Saturday that he believes a deadly strike on a girls' primary school in southern Iran was "done by Iran." He made the assertion aboard Air Force One, citing what he described as Iran's "inaccurate munitions."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that "the only side that targets civilians is Iran," while the Pentagon continues its investigation. Iranian state media and health officials reported dozens of casualties, including schoolgirls, and have blamed the U.S. and Israel.
However, sources told CBS News that Israel was not operating in the area, and a person familiar with the inquiry indicated U.S. investigators believe the U.S. may have been responsible. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated Friday that "investigation is ongoing" and called claims of conclusions "irresponsible and false," reiterating that the United States does not target civilians.
The blast occurred in Minab, Hormozgan province. Footage confirmed the strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school, located near sites controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian state media reported over 170 fatalities.