Sen. John Kennedy publicly acknowledged and apologized after a Feb. 28, 2026, strike in Minab, Iran, killed 168 people, mostly children. Kennedy told NBC News, "We made a mistake," and his candor drew bipartisan praise. President Trump initially blamed Iran but later said the incident is under investigation and noted that Tomahawk missiles are used by multiple countries. Lawmakers and the public are calling for a thorough, transparent inquiry into the attack.
‘We Made A Mistake’: GOP Sen. John Kennedy Apologizes After U.S. Strike Killed 168 At Iranian School
Rescue workers and local residents searched through rubble after what Iranian officials described as an Israeli-U.S. strike on a girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, on Feb. 28, 2026. Iranian authorities say 168 people — mostly children — were killed in the attack.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) drew widespread attention this week when he publicly acknowledged U.S. responsibility and apologized. Speaking with NBC News reporter Sahil Kapur on Monday evening, Kennedy said, "It was terrible. We made a mistake." He added, "Other countries do that sort of thing intentionally, like Russia. We would never do that intentionally. I think the department is investigating it now, and I'm sorry. I'm just so sorry it happened. It was a mistake."
President Donald Trump initially denied U.S. involvement when asked about the strike, saying, "No, in my opinion, based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran." By Monday he softened his response, saying, "I just don't know enough about it. I think it's something that I was told is under investigation." When pressed about weapons, he noted, "But Tomahawks are used by others, as you know. Numerous other nations have Tomahawks. They buy them from us, but I will certainly, whatever the report shows, I'm willing to live with that report."
Reactions and Context
Kennedy's direct apology drew praise across the political spectrum. Democrats such as Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) highlighted Kennedy's candor while condemning any attempt to deny the incident. Murphy wrote that it was important that even a small number of Republican senators speak frankly about the attack and criticized efforts to dismiss or deny what happened.
The Department of Defense and other agencies have said they are investigating the strike. Independent confirmation and a full accounting of the facts are essential; investigations typically examine targeting data, munitions used and the chain of command. The mention of Tomahawk missiles by President Trump reflects questions about what weapons were used and whether systems sold to other countries were involved.
What remains clear: dozens of civilians — many of them children — died in a devastating attack that has prompted political fallout in Washington and calls for a transparent, independent investigation.
Reporting adapted from NBC News and Mediaite.
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