White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports that Israeli and United States forces’ strikes on Iran hit a girls’ school, killing up to 175 people, most of whom were schoolgirls aged 7 to 12.
“Not that we know of,” Leavitt responded when questioned about the alleged strike during Wednesday’s briefing, suggesting that the reports were “propaganda” from Iranian state media.
“The Department of War is investigating this matter,” Leavitt stated. “The United States of America does not target civilians, unlike the rogue Iranian regime that has a history of targeting civilians, including children, and using effective propaganda. Unfortunately, many have fallen for this propaganda.”
Iranian Foreign Media Department via AP
Iranian state media and health officials reported the strike in Minab, claiming it occurred early Saturday and resulted in casualties. International journalists have not been able to verify the death toll or details of the incident. Neither the U.S. nor Israel have taken responsibility for the attack.
Video footage of the incident shows smoke rising from a damaged building identified as Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, with murals of children and school-related themes. The strike reportedly happened during a school session.
CBS News reported that the school is near two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites.
Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesman for Iran’s health ministry, described those killed at the school as “young child martyrs” in a post.
Mourners gathered for the funerals of the victims in Minab, with hundreds paying their respects as the ceremonies were broadcast on Iranian state TV.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned during a press briefing that the Pentagon is investigating the incident. “We never target civilian targets,” he stated.
