Trump Claims Iranian Responsibility for Deadly School Bombing

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he believes the bombing of a girls’ primary school in southern Iran was carried out by Iranian forces. This assertion came during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, after Trump attended a ceremony for six U.S. soldiers who were killed in an Iranian strike in Kuwait on March 1.

Trump provided no evidence to support his claim, stating, “In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran… We think it was done by Iran, because they’re very inaccurate with their munitions.” His comments came in the wake of a devastating strike on February 28, which Iranian state media reported killed numerous people, including schoolgirls aged 7 to 12.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was pressed on the accuracy of Trump’s comments. He confirmed that the Pentagon is currently investigating the incident and emphasized, “the only side that targets civilians is Iran.” This statement reflects a broader narrative from the U.S. administration regarding the conflict.

According to Iranian officials, the bombing has been attributed to the United States and Israel, despite conflicting reports regarding Israel’s involvement. Two sources informed CBS News that Israel was not conducting operations in the vicinity at the time of the attack. One Israeli source reiterated that the Israeli Air Force was not involved in the incident.

The aftermath of the bombing has been devastating, with Iranian media reporting over 170 fatalities. Footage from the scene revealed black smoke rising from the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school, a building decorated with murals of children and educational symbols, located in Minab, a city in the southern Hormozgan province. The school was operational on Saturdays, which are regular school days in Iran.

As investigations continue, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly addressed the situation, stating that the inquiry is ongoing and stressing that it is both “irresponsible and false for anyone to claim otherwise.” She reiterated the U.S. commitment to avoiding civilian casualties, contrasting it with Iranian actions.

The bombing incident has raised significant concerns internationally, particularly as the U.S. grapples with its role and responsibilities in the region. Reports have emerged suggesting that U.S. investigators are looking into the possibility that American forces might have been involved in the bombing, further complicating the narrative surrounding the attack.

The situation remains fluid, and as the investigation unfolds, the ramifications of this strike are likely to impact diplomatic relations in the region and beyond.