United States President Donald Trump has responded publicly to reports surrounding an airstrike on a school in Iran that allegedly claimed the lives of more than 160 children during the early stages of what has been described as “Operation Epic Fury,” insisting that the strike was not carried out deliberately.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump said the reported incident was not intentional and disclosed that U.S. authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The president’s comments came amid growing international attention over reports that an educational facility in the Iranian city of Minab was struck during military operations, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including schoolchildren. Human rights organisations, anti-war campaigners and international observers have called for an independent investigation into the incident, while concerns have also been raised about the reported use of artificial intelligence-assisted targeting systems during the operation.
Responding to questions from reporters, Trump dismissed suggestions that the school had been deliberately targeted, arguing that the incident must be viewed within the broader context of the conflict between the United States and Iran.
“It’s such a strange question to be asked at this stage because you’re talking about a long time ago, but nobody did that on purpose,” Trump said.
The U.S. president subsequently referred to previous attacks allegedly carried out by Iran against American personnel, suggesting that discussions about civilian casualties should take into account the wider history of hostilities between the two countries.
“What about the thousands of soldiers that they blew up when they opened their car door? What about the thousands of people who were killed by Iran?” he asked.
While acknowledging the devastating consequences of civilian deaths during armed conflicts, Trump maintained that unintended errors can occur during military operations.
“No, mistakes are made. A war is nasty,” the president stated.
Trump also revealed that the incident remains under official review and indicated that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported strike.
“I know it’s under investigation and I could have a report for you tomorrow, or I will ask Pete Hegseth that question because they have that under investigation,” he said.
The remarks represent Trump’s first public comments on allegations surrounding the reported school bombing, an incident that has attracted widespread international criticism and renewed debate over civilian protection during armed conflicts.
According to reports, the strike has become one of the most controversial episodes of the recent confrontation between the United States and Iran. Military analysts and media organisations have suggested that advanced artificial intelligence-assisted targeting technologies may have been employed during the operation, raising questions about the accuracy and accountability of such systems when used in combat.
Although some reports claim that at least 175 people, most of them children, were killed in the strike, U.S. authorities have not publicly confirmed those casualty figures.
The controversy has intensified global discussions about the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare. Recent reports have suggested that the Pentagon deployed advanced AI platforms during Operation Epic Fury to assist in identifying and engaging military targets across Iran.
Human rights advocates have warned that increasing reliance on AI-supported targeting systems raises significant legal and ethical concerns, particularly when military operations take place near civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and residential neighbourhoods.
Critics argue that while artificial intelligence may improve operational efficiency, it could also increase the risk of catastrophic targeting errors if safeguards are inadequate or intelligence assessments prove inaccurate. They have therefore called for greater transparency regarding the rules of engagement employed during the military campaign and the measures implemented to minimise civilian casualties.
International observers have similarly urged both governments to cooperate with independent investigations to establish the facts surrounding the reported strike and determine whether international humanitarian law was fully observed during the operation.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly condemned the reported attack, describing it as evidence of what they characterised as reckless U.S. military aggression. Washington, however, has consistently maintained that its military operations were directed exclusively at strategic targets associated with Iran’s security infrastructure and not at civilian facilities.
As investigations continue, the reported bombing has become a focal point in broader debates about the conduct of modern warfare, the protection of civilians during armed conflicts, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in military decision-making. The outcome of the ongoing inquiry is expected to attract close international attention, particularly from human rights organisations and governments seeking greater accountability in the use of emerging military technologies.
