Iran Congratulates White House Press Secretary on Newborn, Criticizes US Actions

Iran has congratulated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the birth of her daughter, Viviana, while simultaneously criticizing the US for a tragic school strike in Minab that claimed the lives of many children. The embassy's response highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations, juxtaposing personal joy with a somber reminder of the consequences of military actions. Leavitt's announcement of her daughter's birth was met with a pointed reminder of the innocent lives lost, raising questions about the impact of such tragedies on diplomatic relations. This complex situation reflects the intertwining of personal and political narratives in international discourse.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 15:08 IST

Iran's Mixed Message to White House Press Secretary

Iran has extended its congratulations to Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, on the arrival of her daughter. However, the message also included a sharp critique of the United States regarding a tragic incident on February 28, when a strike on a school in Minab resulted in the deaths of over 150 individuals, many of whom were children.

On Thursday, Leavitt shared the joyful news of her second child's birth, a girl named Viviana, stating, "On May 1st, Viviana, also known as 'Vivi,' became part of our family, and our hearts are overflowing with love. She is healthy and perfect, and her older brother is happily adjusting to having a new baby sister. We are cherishing every moment in our delightful newborn bubble," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). She expressed gratitude to those who supported her during her pregnancy, saying, "Thank you to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy - I truly felt them throughout the entire experience. God is Good," she added.

In response, Iran's embassy in Armenia congratulated Leavitt but also condemned the US for the Minab school strike. The embassy's message read, "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," as posted on X.

As of the time of this report, Leavitt had not publicly responded to the embassy's remarks. According to Iranian state media, the strike on the school in Minab resulted in the deaths of 73 boys and 47 girls, along with 26 teachers, seven parents, a school bus driver, and a pharmacy technician from a nearby clinic, as reported by IRIB on Telegram.

Preliminary findings from a US military investigation indicated that a Tomahawk cruise missile mistakenly struck the elementary school. The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump initially suggested that Iran might have been responsible for the incident, despite the fact that Iran does not possess Tomahawk missiles. Meanwhile, Leavitt maintained that the US does not intentionally target civilians.