US President Donald Trump has denied allegations that the United States was responsible for a deadly strike on a school in Iran, saying he has not seen evidence linking American forces to the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump questioned claims that a US missile struck the school during the early stages of the conflict. He noted that multiple missiles were being launched during the period and said it was premature to conclude that the United States was responsible.
"It's horrible what happened, but there were missiles flying all over the place," Trump said, adding that he had seen nothing so far that would lead him to believe the missile involved was American.
Trump also invited Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to comment on the matter. The Pentagon has not yet released final findings from its investigation into the incident. Earlier this year, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress that a detailed investigation was underway and that its conclusions would be made public once completed.
The incident has drawn significant attention following media reports alleging US involvement. According to a report by The New York Times, the school was struck by a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon not known to be in Iran's arsenal. CNN has also reported that the United States was responsible for the strike.
The allegations have sparked political debate in Washington. House Democrats introduced impeachment proceedings against Defence Secretary Hegseth following the attack, while Senate Democrats have sought access to unredacted civilian casualty investigations, including documents related to the school strike.
Iran has continued to highlight the deaths of schoolchildren in its diplomatic messaging following the conflict. The Iranian government named its negotiating delegation to Switzerland the “Minab 168” team, a reference linked to the incident, and displayed the slogan on official aircraft used by senior leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during international visits.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, and no final official determination has yet been publicly released regarding responsibility for the strike.
Sources: WION