Washington/Tehran: Iran turned White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s heartfelt announcement of her baby girl’s birth into a pointed jab at her justification of a US strike that obliterated a school in Minab, claiming over 150 lives including scores of children.
The 28-year-old Leavitt posted on X on Thursday about welcoming her second child, daughter Viviana – nicknamed “Vivi” – on May 1.
In a photo of her holding the newborn, she wrote: “On May 1st, Viviana aka “Vivi” joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love. She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.”
The Iranian Embassy in Armenia responded swiftly with congratulations laced with accusation, referencing the deadly February 28 assault on the Minab school, as reported by News 18.
“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,” the embassy posted on X.
Over 150 Children & Teachers Killed
According to Iranian state media, the strike claimed 73 boys, 47 girls, teachers, parents and other staff members in the area. It erupted along with joint US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military assets on February 28,provoking Tehran’s fierce retaliatory barrages and stoking fears of broader Middle East conflagration
Leavitt Rebuts Civilian Strike Claims
In March, Leavitt rebutted the allegations, underlining US adherence to rules of engagement. “While the Department of Defense is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America,” she stated.
However, an inquiry by The New York Times revealed indications that a US Tomahawk missile deviated from its path, impacting the school during the ongoing military action.
