Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Tuesday that a deadly strike on an all-girls elementary school in Iran that killed around 175 people appears to have been a tragic error, even as officials continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The airstrikes hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on Feb. 28, the same day joint U.S.-Israeli military operations began in the region. The strikes also targeted a nearby naval base belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to an analysis conducted by The Associated Press.
Research and satellite imagery reviewed in that analysis suggested the attack may have originated from U.S. forces.
Speaking on CNN’s “The Arena” with Kasie Hunt, Kennedy said the loss of life was deeply troubling and that the strike appeared to be a grave mistake.
“I mean, we’re investigating, but I’m not going to hide behind that,” Kennedy said. “I think that it was a terrible, terrible mistake.”
Kennedy acknowledged the investigation could ultimately show something different, but he said the tragic outcome could not be ignored.
“The investigation may prove me wrong, I hope so,” he added. “The kids are still dead. But I think it was a horrible, horrible mistake.”
The Louisiana Republican emphasized that he does not believe American service members intentionally targeted civilians. Still, he said that acknowledging errors is important, particularly in wartime when the consequences are severe.
“It wasn’t intentional,” Kennedy said, adding that he wanted to apologize for what occurred. He also remarked that the situation resembled actions often attributed to hostile powers, describing it as “the sort of thing Russia does.”
“And when you make a mistake, you ought to admit it,” Kennedy continued. “Most people understand no one’s perfect, but I don’t think our men and women who are fighting for us did it intentionally. I’ll never believe that.”
The debate intensified after Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine confirmed last week that U.S. forces fired Tomahawk missiles during the initial wave of strikes in southern Iran.
President Donald Trump has disputed claims that U.S. weapons struck the school. Speaking to reporters Saturday, the president said Iran was responsible for the attack.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the matter remains under investigation, while also asserting that “the only side that targets civilians is Iran.”
Trump reiterated his claim again Monday, suggesting that reports pointing to Tomahawk missiles were based on “very generic” evidence. He also noted that the missiles are sold to other countries, though the U.S. military is the only known force to use them in combat.
The deadly strike has sparked fierce reactions in Washington, with Democratic lawmakers demanding independent investigations into what happened.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized the president’s claim on the Senate floor.
“Iran doesn’t have Tomahawk missiles, Donald Trump!” Schumer said, calling the president’s explanation “beyond asinine” and accusing him of “lying through his teeth.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also weighed in during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” While noting that an accidental strike differs from an intentional attack, Murphy said the incident raised serious concerns.
“I think it’s unforgivable under any circumstances,” Murphy said. “But the fact that this was one of our first targeting decisions, that this mistake was made on the first day of war, I think speaks to the incompetence of our leadership at the Department of Defense.”
As investigations continue, the tragedy in Minab has become a sobering reminder of the human cost that can accompany even the earliest moments of a military conflict.
