White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s social media announcement celebrating the birth of her second child drew international attention this week after Iranian diplomatic accounts responded with messages referencing the deadly Minab school strike earlier this year.
Leavitt shared a photo online of herself holding her newborn daughter, Viviana, who she said was born on May 1. In the post, she described her family as enjoying their “newborn bubble.”
Days later, Iranian embassies used the post to criticize the United States over the February strike in Minab, Iran, that killed more than 150 people, including many children.
Responses
The Iranian embassy in Armenia responded publicly on X with a message directed at Leavitt.
“Congratulations to you. Children are innocent and lovable,” the embassy wrote.
The message then referenced the Minab strike and accused the U.S. government of responsibility for the deaths of children during the attack.
“When you kiss your baby, think of the mothers of those children,” the embassy added.
The Iranian embassy in South Africa also posted criticism, saying Leavitt’s daughter would one day read about the conflict and feel ashamed of her mother’s role in the administration.
Embassy Statements
| Embassy | Main Message |
|---|---|
| Iran Embassy in Armenia | Referenced children killed in Minab |
| Iran Embassy in South Africa | Criticized US administration and war policy |
Strike
The diplomatic responses centered on the Feb. 28, 2026 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran.
According to reports, a U.S. Tomahawk missile struck the school during military operations connected to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The strike reportedly killed 156 people, including:
- 120 students
- 26 teachers
- Several parents and civilians
Internal Pentagon inquiries later concluded the strike may have resulted from a targeting error involving outdated coordinates, according to reporting by The New York Times.
Officials have said the school had operated as a civilian institution for years and was located near a military complex.
Minab Strike Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Location | Minab, Iran |
| Site Hit | Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School |
| Reported Death Toll | 156 |
| Students Killed | 120 |
White House
Leavitt has previously rejected claims that the United States intentionally targeted civilians.
During a March press briefing, she stated that the Department of War was investigating the incident and emphasized that the U.S. military does not deliberately target civilian populations.
She also argued that Iranian state messaging surrounding the strike involved propaganda efforts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth similarly stated that American forces do not intentionally strike civilian sites and said a formal investigation remained underway.
The White House has not publicly responded to the embassy messages as of Tuesday evening.
Investigation
Reports surrounding the Minab strike suggested the attack may have involved a targeting failure linked to intelligence errors.
According to preliminary findings cited in media reports, outdated coordinates and information from the Defense Intelligence Agency may have contributed to the strike.
Questions were also raised about the military’s use of automated targeting technology known as the Maven Smart System, which reportedly played a role in streamlining strike operations during the conflict.
Officials have not released final conclusions from the ongoing military investigation, sometimes referred to as a “15-6” administrative inquiry.
Context
The exchange between Leavitt and Iranian diplomatic accounts reflects the increasingly public and personal nature of international political messaging during the ongoing conflict.
Government officials and embassies have frequently used social media platforms to shape narratives, criticize opponents, and respond directly to political figures.
The responses also gained attention because Leavitt had previously commented on Iranian online messaging.
Last month, she warned reporters against taking Iranian social media statements at face value, arguing that public messaging often differs from private diplomatic communication.
Reaction
The embassy posts quickly spread online, generating debate over the use of personal family announcements in political criticism.
Some social media users condemned the diplomatic responses as inappropriate, while others argued the comments reflected international anger over civilian casualties linked to the conflict.
The Minab strike remains one of the most controversial incidents of the war and continues to draw scrutiny from human rights observers, lawmakers, and international officials.
Thousands reportedly attended funeral services in Minab following the attack.
Ongoing Debate
The broader controversy surrounding the strike continues to raise questions about military targeting systems, civilian protections, and accountability during modern warfare.
As investigations continue, the incident remains politically sensitive both domestically and internationally.
For now, the exchange between Leavitt and the Iranian embassies has added another layer to an already contentious debate over the human cost of the conflict and the role of public messaging during wartime.
FAQs
Why did Iranian embassies respond to Karoline Leavitt?
They referenced the Minab school strike in Iran.
What was the Minab strike?
A US strike that reportedly hit a school in Iran.
How many people reportedly died in the strike?
Reports said 156 people were killed.
What did Leavitt previously say about the strike?
She denied the US intentionally targeted civilians.
Is the Minab strike still under investigation?
Yes, a Pentagon administrative inquiry continues.
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