Full Breakdown
Iran Embassy Targets White House Press Secretary Over Minab School Strike in Response to Birth Announcement
5/13/2026, 12:00:49 AM
Leavitt’s Birth Announcement and Iranian Embassy’s Message
On May 1, 2026, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her daughter Viviana (nicknamed “Vivi”) on X, writing that her “hearts instantly exploded with love.” The Iranian Embassy in Armenia reposted the message and added a statement linking the celebration to the February 28 missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, accusing the United States of killing children.
Background: The February 28 Minab School Strike
On February 28, 2026, a U.S. Tomahawk missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, Hormozgan Province. Iranian state media reported 168 casualties—including 73 boys, 47 girls, 26 teachers, seven parents, a bus driver and a pharmacy technician. Other reports cited 156 deaths, including 120 students. Internal Pentagon inquiries, first reported by The New York Times, suggested the missile may have hit the school because of a targeting error, possibly intended for a nearby Revolutionary Guard compound.
Official Statements & Responses
In March, Leavitt said the Department of War was investigating the incident and affirmed that the United States does not target civilians. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing that the United States “never target civilian targets” and that an investigation was ongoing. President Donald Trump, when asked who fired the missile, replied that the matter was “under study” and later suggested the strike may have been carried out by Iran.
Criticism & Opposition
The Iranian Embassy’s post framed the United States as responsible for the deaths of children, urging Leavitt to “think of the mothers of those children” when celebrating her newborn. The embassy’s remarks were amplified by users on X.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Casualty figures differ: Iranian sources cite 168 total deaths (including 110 children), while U.S. reports mention 156 deaths (120 students). The intended target of the missile remains disputed; Iranian officials maintain it was a school, whereas U.S. investigators cite a possible targeting error aimed at a Revolutionary Guard facility. No independent verification of the missile’s trajectory has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Congratulations to you. Children are innocent and lovable. Those 168 children that your boss killed in the school in Minab, and you justified, were also children. When you kiss your baby, think of the mothers of those children.” — Iranian Embassy in Armenia, X post
- “Congratulations to you. Children are innocent and lovable. Those 168 children that your boss killed in the school in Minab, and you justified, were also children. When you kiss your baby, think of the mothers of those children.” — Iranian Embassy in Armenia, X post
- “The Department of War is investigating this matter,” — Karoline Leavitt, March statement
- “All I can say is that we’re investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we’re taking a look and investigating that.” — Pete Hegseth, Pentagon briefing
- “Trump, meanwhile, claimed that 'based on what I’ve seen, that [strike] was done by Iran'.” — Donald Trump, press conference
What’s Next
The Department of War is investigating the incident. LADbible Group has contacted the White House for comment.
