Asked on Air Force One whether the US had carried out the attack on February 28, Trump said, without providing evidence:
“No, in my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, it was done by Iran.”
Minister of Defense Pete Hegsethstanding next to the president, was more circumspect in his statement, saying the government was still “investigating” the attack, but added: “The only side targeting civilians is Iran.”
After Hegseth’s statement, Trump repeated:
“Iran did it.”
Trump’s direct claims represent a departure from the White House’s earlier stance. On Wednesday, she is a spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt when asked if the US was responsible for the attack, to which she replied: “As far as I know – no”adding that the Department of Defense is investigating the incident, a position echoed by Hegseth on Saturday.
The statements by US officials come as satellite images, expert analysis and information released by the US and Israeli military indicate that the attack was most likely the result of US airstrikes that also hit a nearby compound controlled by the IRGC.
Democratic lawmakers condemned the attack, which represented the highest reported number of civilian casualties since the war began last week, suggesting the US bears responsibility.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez she wrote on Friday on Platform X:
“More than 100 innocent school children are dead because of the illegal US attack on Iran”reflecting broader criticism from anti-war advocates who argue that the conflict is expanding without sufficient congressional oversight.
Representatives of the Iranian political elite also accused the US and Israel of the attack on the school in Minab.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the attack on the school “will never be erased from the historical memory of our people” while foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called the bombing a “crime” and said that it would not go unanswered. Iranian diplomats also raised this issue in the UN, demanding international condemnation and investigation.
(Vijesti.ba)
