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Sen. Kennedy Apologizes for Deadly U.S. Airstrike Mistake

3/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) apologized for the U.S. airstrike on an Iranian girls' school that reportedly killed 175 people, including children.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the strike may have been caused by an Iranian misfire and said he was unsure if the U.S. military was responsible.
Preliminary investigations indicate a U.S. Tomahawk missile struck the school due to a targeting error tied to outdated intelligence.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction, resulted in over 100,000 civilian deaths, according to the Iraq Body Count project. The military's reliance on outdated intelligence led to tragic errors, exemplified by a recent airstrike on an Iranian girls' school, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability and the impact of military operations on civilian populations.

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Story summary

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) apologized for the U.S. airstrike on an Iranian girls' school that reportedly killed 175 people, including children.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the strike may have been caused by an Iranian misfire and said he was unsure if the U.S. military was responsible.
Preliminary investigations indicate a U.S. Tomahawk missile struck the school due to a targeting error tied to outdated intelligence.

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