Trump Claims Iran Possesses US Tomahawk Missiles | News Hour

Trump Sidesteps Responsibility for Strike on Iranian Girls’ School, Claims Iran Possesses Tomahawk Missiles

President Donald Trump faced scrutiny Monday after appearing to deflect responsibility for a recent strike on a girls’ school in Iran that reportedly killed 165 people. During a press conference, Trump falsely asserted that Iran possesses American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, the suspected weapon used in the attack. The remarks have drawn criticism and raised questions about the administration’s accountability regarding the incident. This report examines the details of Trump’s statements, the weapons involved, and the broader context of escalating tensions with Iran.

What Trump Said and Why It’s Contested

When questioned about U.S. Responsibility for the strike, President Trump argued that the Tomahawk missile, manufactured by Raytheon, is “sold and used by other countries” and that “Iran also has some Tomahawks.” He further characterized the missile as “very generic,” suggesting its use isn’t exclusive to the United States. Video of the exchange shows the President struggling to provide a definitive answer when pressed on the issue.

However, officials and experts have refuted Trump’s claim. There is currently no credible evidence to suggest that Iran has acquired Tomahawk cruise missiles. While Raytheon does sell weapons to allies such as Japan and Australia, You’ll see no confirmed reports of such sales to Iran. When asked why he was the sole member of his administration making this claim, Trump admitted, “Because I just don’t know enough about it.” He added he would accept “whatever the report shows.”

The Tomahawk Missile: A Key Weapon in the Conflict

The Tomahawk missile has been a mainstay of the Pentagon’s long-range strike capabilities for three decades. These subsonic missiles are designed to fly at low altitudes, utilizing terrain-following technology to evade radar detection. The weapon’s versatility and precision have made it a preferred choice for various military operations. As tensions with Iran escalate, the Tomahawk is playing a central role in Operation Epic Fury, according to the U.S. Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation has reportedly utilized more than 20 distinct weapons systems across air, sea, land, and missile defense forces.

Defense Industry Profits Amidst Rising Tensions

The escalating conflict with Iran is proving to be a lucrative venture for U.S. Defense contractors. Following the recent White House meeting attended by the CEOs of RTX (formerly Raytheon), Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, L3Harris Missile Solutions, and Honeywell Aerospace, these companies have agreed to “quadruple production” of weaponry, as described by President Trump as “exquisite class.” Reuters reports that these companies are already sitting on billions of dollars in order backlogs. Stock prices for major arms producers have seen a recent surge, with Northrop Grumman up 5 percent, RTX up 4.5 percent, and Lockheed Martin up 3 percent.

The United States is already the world’s largest military spender, allocating nearly $1 trillion in 2025 – exceeding the combined spending of the next nine highest-spending nations. President Trump aims to increase this figure to $1.5 trillion by 2027, signaling a continued commitment to military expansion and involvement in international conflicts.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Key Details of the Incident

Confirmed: A strike occurred on a girls’ school in Iran, resulting in a significant number of casualties. President Trump held a press conference addressing the incident. The Tomahawk missile is being used in Operation Epic Fury. Defense contractors have agreed to increase weapons production.

Unclear: The exact number of casualties remains disputed, with initial reports suggesting 165 deaths. The specific weapon used in the strike has not been definitively confirmed, although the Tomahawk missile is suspected. The identity of those responsible for the strike remains officially undetermined. Whether the U.S. Will accept responsibility for the strike remains unclear, pending further investigation.

Background: U.S.-Iran Relations and Military Spending

The current tensions between the U.S. And Iran are rooted in a complex history of political and military interactions. In 2025, President Trump scrapped subsidies and tax breaks for defense contractors, a move that was later reversed as the conflict with Iran intensified. The U.S. Has a long-standing military presence in the Middle East, and has engaged in several conflicts with Iran and its proxies over the years. The ongoing war with Iran has already resulted in billions of dollars in spending on weapons, making it a highly profitable undertaking for defense contractors. The U.S. Military budget has steadily increased in recent years, reflecting a growing emphasis on military strength and global power projection.

What Happens Next?

The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. An investigation into the strike on the Iranian girls’ school is expected to be conducted, but the scope and impartiality of that investigation are uncertain. The increased weapons production by U.S. Defense contractors suggests a potential escalation of the conflict. Further diplomatic efforts may be attempted, but the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear dim given the current political climate. The White House has indicated it will await the results of the investigation before making any further statements or taking any further action.