White House statement on 'girls' school' attack: US does not target civilians, but the Iranian regime does, kills children, and spreads propaganda

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press conference regarding Iran. Starting by stating that the era of turning a blind eye to Iran—which the US defined as the "world's leading state sponsor of terrorism" during the Donald Trump administration—is over, Leavitt said, "The murderous terrorist leaders of Iran are paying for their crimes against America with their blood."

"For the first time since World War II, a torpedo has been used"

Stating that Operation Epic Fury against Iran includes objectives to destroy Iran's ballistic missiles, missile industry, and navy, Leavitt said, "As of last night, we have destroyed more than 20 Iranian ships, including their most advanced submarines. In doing so, a torpedo was used for the first time since World War II. There is not a single Iranian ship currently sailing in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or the Gulf of Oman."

"US forces have struck more than two thousand targets"

Arguing that the operation's goals also include neutralizing Iran's regional proxies and ensuring that Iran can never obtain nuclear weapons, Leavitt said, "We can say that Operation Epic Fury has been a great success so far. US forces have struck more than two thousand targets and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launch ramps, and drones. As the Department of Defense announced this morning, we expect to establish full and absolute control over Iranian airspace in the coming hours. This will clear the skies for our brave warriors, allowing them to continue achieving these noble and long-awaited objectives."

"The US offered to provide Iran with free nuclear fuel"

Stating that Iran's exploitation of negotiations was a factor in the decision to go to war, Leavitt said, "US negotiators offered Iran the lifting of heavy sanctions. They even proposed providing free nuclear fuel for their civilian nuclear energy program. Furthermore, they offered the opportunity for the US to participate as an investor in peaceful nuclear energy projects. In return, Iran was required to completely abandon its uranium enrichment capacity. Iran rejected this."

Arguing that the only reason Iran rejected the offers was its desire to build nuclear weapons, Leavitt said, "The terrorists thought President Trump would act like previous presidents and only talk without enforcing his red lines. But that was a major miscalculation. When President Trump makes a threat, he does not bluff."

"More than 17,500 Americans have returned"

Stating that more than 17,500 Americans have returned from the Middle East since the start of the operation, Leavitt said, "Just yesterday, more than 8,500 US citizens returned to the country."

Leavitt said the administration has arranged free charter flights and commercial flights for US citizens in the Middle East.

When asked at the press briefing about who the new leader of Iran is, Leavitt replied, "This matter is being closely monitored and examined by our intelligence agencies. We will have to wait and see."

"They agreed to cooperate with the US military"

Responding to a question regarding President Trump's decision to impose a trade embargo on Spain, Leavitt said, "I think they heard Trump's message loud and clear yesterday. They agreed to cooperate with the US military. The US military is currently in coordination with its Spanish counterparts." Leavitt added, "Crushing the rogue Iranian regime protects not only America but also our European allies."

Regarding a question about the possibility of the US Navy beginning to escort tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a rise in oil prices, Leavitt said, "The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide affordable risk insurance for oil tankers and cargo ships operating around the Gulf."

Leavitt also said that the US Navy could begin escorting tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Leavitt stated, "Iran will no longer be able to control the Strait of Hormuz and restrict the flow of energy. As you know, this strait controls 20 percent of the world's oil supply."

"We have large stockpiles of weapons in places many people are unaware of"

When asked about US ammunition stockpiles, Leavitt said, "The US has more than enough capacity to carry out Operation Epic Fury. We have large stockpiles of weapons in places in this world that many people are unaware of."

No ground operation planned against Iran

In response to a question regarding the possibility of a ground operation against Iran, Leavitt replied, "It is not part of the operational plan at this time. However, on behalf of the President, I cannot rule out any military option. The President would not do so either. There is no such plan at the moment, but I am not completely ruling out that option."

Maintained that the US did not carry out the attack on the girls' school

Regarding reports that a girls' school was hit and 175 people were killed in airstrikes on southern Iran, Leavitt said, "The Department of Defense is investigating this. The US does not target civilians, but the Iranian regime does. It kills children and spreads propaganda."

When asked about the possibility of Israel's role in the school attack, Leavitt said, "This matter is currently under investigation. Let me emphasize again, the Department of Defense and the US Armed Forces do not target civilians."

Denial from Spain to the US

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares denied Leavitt's claim that Spain had reached an agreement on military cooperation with the US, stating, "There has been no change in the Spanish government's position regarding the use of our bases in the conflicts in the Middle East and the attacks in Iran."

News Source: 12punto