The White House has cast significant doubt on emerging reports that a recent US military strike in Iran may have struck an elementary school, specifically the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school located in Minab. During a press briefing held on Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed these claims directly, providing a cautious response to inquiries about the incident.
Press Secretary's Statement on School Strike Claims
When questioned about whether the US strike had targeted the girls' school, Ms Leavitt stated, 'Not that we know of,' emphasizing that the Pentagon is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. She firmly asserted the United States' position, declaring, 'The United States of America does not target civilians.' This statement underscores the administration's commitment to avoiding civilian casualties in military operations.
Background and Context of the Strike
The strike occurred on Saturday morning, with initial reports suggesting it was part of broader US military actions in Iran. Ms Leavitt explained that the decision to initiate hostilities was driven by various perceived threats to US interests, guided by rare intelligence regarding the location of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. This intelligence reportedly played a key role in the timing and targeting of the operation.
Additional Military and Policy Updates
In separate remarks, Ms Leavitt confirmed that the US is not currently considering deploying ground troops to Iran, a point that clarifies the scope of American military involvement. She also noted that former President Trump was weighing a potential US role in Iran following the conflict, indicating ongoing political deliberations about future engagements in the region.
The White House's response aims to address international concerns while maintaining a stance of transparency and accountability as the investigation proceeds.
