A recent press conference by U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked debate among defense analysts and security experts after he suggested that Iran possesses Tomahawk cruise missiles. The statement came as Trump responded to questions about a deadly strike that reportedly hit a girls’ elementary school in Iran.
Experts quickly challenged the claim, saying there is no evidence that Iran has access to the U.S.-made weapon system. The controversy has added to the growing tension surrounding the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Trump Claims Iran Has Tomahawk Missiles
During a press conference, President Donald Trump pushed back against suggestions that the United States was responsible for a missile strike that hit a school in Iran.
When asked about video footage that reportedly showed a Tomahawk missile destroying the building, Trump said that Tomahawks are widely used by several countries and suggested that Iran might also possess them.
Trump stated that the missile is “very generic” and sold to other countries. He also claimed that Iran could have some Tomahawks and might want more.
However, the comment quickly drew criticism from military analysts and arms experts.
Experts Say Iran Does Not Possess Tomahawk Missiles
Defense specialists say there has never been any indication that Iran owns or operates Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The weapon is manufactured by the U.S. defense company Raytheon and is primarily used by the United States military.
Due to strict export controls, only a limited number of U.S. allies have been allowed to purchase Tomahawk missiles.
Countries approved to buy the weapon include:
| Country | Access to Tomahawk Missiles |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes |
| Australia | Yes |
| Japan | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes |
Iran is not among the countries permitted to acquire the missile system.
Experts also note that Iran has been considered a U.S. adversary since the late 1970s, making such a transfer highly unlikely.
Analysts Reject Trump’s Statement
Several defense experts publicly disputed Trump’s claim.
Jeffrey Lewis, a global security scholar at Middlebury College, stated that Iran does not possess Tomahawk missiles.
Other critics also questioned the statement. Retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey described the claim as inaccurate and criticized the comment publicly.
Some analysts suggested Trump might have used the word “Tomahawk” loosely to refer to cruise missiles in general rather than the specific U.S. weapon.
Missile Footage Raises Questions
The controversy began after video footage circulated online showing a missile striking a location near a school in Iran.
Reports suggest the target may have been a naval base belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), located near the school.
It has not been conclusively determined who struck the school itself.
However, analysis from several media outlets suggested that the missile visible in the footage appears to be a Tomahawk.
Weapons analysts said the missile in the video does not resemble Iranian cruise missile designs such as the Soumar or Hoveyzeh.
Even If Iran Had One, It Could Not Easily Use It
Experts also pointed out that possessing a Tomahawk missile would not automatically mean Iran could use it.
The missile requires specialized programming systems and launch equipment.
Analysts say Iran would need:
- Advanced targeting and programming software
- Compatible launch systems
- Technical expertise to operate the weapon
Without those systems, a Tomahawk missile would be extremely difficult to deploy.
Trump Comments on Strait of Hormuz
During the same press conference, Trump also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
He suggested that disruptions in the region would affect other countries more than the United States because the U.S. produces large amounts of oil.
However, energy experts disagreed with that assessment.
Although the United States imports less oil from the Persian Gulf than many countries, global oil markets remain interconnected.
When oil prices rise globally, fuel prices in the United States typically increase as well.
Global Oil Markets Still Affect US Gas Prices
Energy analysts say American consumers are still affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Even though most oil passing through the strait is shipped to Asian markets, price changes impact the entire global economy.
Higher oil prices increase transportation and manufacturing costs worldwide, which can also affect American businesses and consumers.
Experts say the U.S. economy remains closely linked with global markets, meaning disruptions overseas can still influence domestic prices.
Trump Remarks Include Conflicting Statements
Observers also noted several contradictions in Trump’s remarks during the press conference.
At one point, he said that Iranian military forces had been completely wiped out.
Moments later, he stated that most — but not all — of Iran’s naval power had been destroyed.
He also mentioned reductions in missile and drone launchers but did not claim they had been entirely eliminated.
Independent data confirming these claims has not been publicly released.
Iran’s Government Still Functioning
Despite the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier in the conflict, Iran’s political system remains in place.
The country has appointed a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is the son of the late leader.
Government institutions in Iran continue to operate, and the leadership structure remains intact.
