President Donald Trump defended a U.S. military strike that killed approximately 120 children at an Iranian elementary school while simultaneously promoting a sweeping new peace framework with Tehran, a juxtaposition that has intensified scrutiny of both Washington's wartime conduct and its diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters during the G7 summit, Trump was asked whether anyone in his administration would be held accountable for the strike, which Iranian officials say killed 165 people, including around 120 schoolchildren, during the early stages of the U.S.-Iran conflict. The president acknowledged the deaths but framed the incident as a tragic consequence of war rather than deliberate wrongdoing.
"All war is nasty," Trump said when questioned about the attack.
He added that "mistakes might have been made" but insisted, "Nobody did it on purpose." Trump also said the Department of Defense continues to investigate the strike, though he provided no timeline for when findings might be released.
The comments came as administration officials unveiled details of a proposed 14-point memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. The framework, which officials hope will evolve into a broader peace agreement, would halt military operations across the region, including in Lebanon, and establish a 60-day negotiating period aimed at securing a permanent settlement.
Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would be required to:
- Reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days.
- End military operations, including activities involving allied groups in Lebanon.
- Down-blend its enriched uranium stockpile under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.
- Reaffirm commitments not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
In exchange, the United States would begin dismantling wartime restrictions and sanctions while reducing its military presence near Iran.
The agreement also outlines plans for broader economic normalization. According to the framework, Washington would restore access to frozen Iranian assets, authorize financial transactions through the Central Bank of Iran and permit exports of Iranian oil while negotiations continue.
Trump defended those provisions against criticism that the United States was rewarding Tehran following months of conflict.
"It's not our money, it's their money, and we froze it," Trump said. "At a certain point in time, I guess we're going to have to give it back."
The proposed economic measures mark a significant shift from the administration's earlier strategy of maximum pressure. During the conflict, sanctions and restrictions on Iran's energy exports formed a central component of U.S. policy. The new framework instead envisions gradual reintegration of Iran into international markets if compliance benchmarks are met.
The political stakes surrounding the agreement became more apparent when Trump suggested Vice President JD Vance could play a prominent role in finalizing the deal.
The president told reporters he "might be at the signing" but indicated it was "more likely to be JD Vance." When asked whether Vance would bear responsibility if the agreement eventually failed, Trump responded with a mixture of humor and political calculation.
"I like that idea, sure," Trump said.
"This way, if it works out, I'm going to take the credit. If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD."
Turning toward a lighter tone, he added: "You better be careful, JD."
