On March 9, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that Iran could have acquired American Tomahawk missiles from other nations and independently targeted an elementary school for girls in Minaba.
During a press conference, when asked whether Washington would accept responsibility for the deaths of children in the attack on the Iranian school, Trump stated that Iran “already allegedly has several” Tomahawk missiles. He emphasized, “Tomahawk, which is one of the most powerful weapons, is used, you know, sold and used by other countries. You know this, and whether it’s Iran, which also has several Tomahawks.”
When pressed on why he believed Tehran was responsible for the Minaba school attack, Trump said he “does not know enough” about the incident’s circumstances but noted an investigation was underway. “I was told that this is being investigated, but Tomahawks are being used by other [countries]. As you know, many other countries have Tomahawk. They buy them from us,” he added.
Trump affirmed he would accept the findings of the investigation “whatever they may be.” However, The War Zone (TWZ) reported that Iran does not possess Tomahawk missiles.
The incident followed a U.S.-led military operation against Iran dubbed “Lion’s Roar” launched on February 28—the same day the Minaba school was attacked. The strike killed at least 170 people, including minors, using Tomahawk missiles. NBC News reported on March 6 that White House representatives acknowledged U.S. strikes in the school area but confirmed Washington’s responsibility.
U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Michael Waltz did not affirm American accountability for the attack.
