President Donald Trump sharply dismissed a question Wednesday about a deadly school bombing that occurred during the opening phase of the war with Iran, arguing that the matter remains under investigation and calling it an unusual issue to raise at this stage of the conflict.
The exchange took place during Trump’s closing press conference at the 52nd Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, where world leaders gathered for a series of meetings focused on international affairs and security challenges. While much of the summit centered on diplomacy and ongoing negotiations, the war with Iran remained a dominant topic throughout the event.
Trump opened the press conference with an extended statement that focused heavily on the recently leaked Iran Memorandum of Understanding. The proposed framework reportedly contains a 14-point plan and includes provisions for a $300 billion reconstruction fund, a key issue that has generated debate as the conflict enters what administration officials describe as a new phase.
But reporters also pressed the president on unresolved questions from the war’s opening days, including the bombing of the Shajarah Tayyebeh all-girls elementary school in Minab. The strike reportedly killed at least 175 people, including 160 children.
The Trump administration has previously stated that the incident is being investigated, and officials have maintained that efforts are ongoing to determine exactly what occurred.
During Wednesday’s press conference, New York Times White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs asked whether anyone within the administration would be held accountable if the investigation found fault in the strike.
Trump appeared frustrated by the question.
“No, if it was a fault,” the president began before noting that the matter remains under investigation.
“It’s such a strange question to be asked at this date, because we’re talking about a long time ago,” Trump said.
The president insisted that no one intentionally targeted the school and emphasized the broader realities of wartime decision-making.
“But nobody did that on purpose,” Trump said.
He then pointed to violence carried out by Iran, referencing Americans and others who were killed in attacks attributed to the Iranian regime.
“I guess you’d have to say about them, what about the thousands of soldiers that they blew up when they opened their car door? What about the thousands of people that were killed by Iran?” Trump asked.
The exchange highlighted the difficult questions that continue to follow military conflicts even as diplomatic efforts move forward. While leaders frequently focus on negotiations, cease-fire arrangements, and long-term agreements, the human costs of war often remain a subject of scrutiny long after the battlefield has quieted.
Trump acknowledged that tragedies can occur during armed conflict, though he reiterated that the incident remains under formal review.
“No, mistakes are made, a war is nasty,” the president said.
He added that the investigation could produce answers soon and directed further inquiries to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“I know it’s under investigation, and I could have a report for you tomorrow,” Trump said. “I would ask Pete Hegseth that question, because they have it under investigation.”
For now, the administration says the investigation remains active as questions surrounding the strike continue alongside broader discussions about the future of U.S.-Iran relations.
[READ MORE: Trump Warns Iran Deal Is Not Final, Says Military Pressure Remains an Option if Agreement Falls Short]
