No Evidence Supports Trump’s Claim That Iran Has Tomahawk Missiles

During a press conference on March 9 in Miami, Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that Iran possesses some U.S. Tomahawk missiles. He made the remark when asked about the strike on the “Good Tree” elementary school for girls in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, which killed 165 people and injured others—an implicit suggestion that Tehran was responsible.

When asked whether the United States would take responsibility for the strike, Trump replied, “Tomahawks are sold and used by other countries. And whether it’s Iran, which also has some Tomahawk missiles and wishes it had more, or any other party, Tomahawks are very common. This is under investigation right now.”

Later, a journalist asked, “You just hinted that Iran somehow obtained Tomahawk missiles and used them to strike the elementary school on the first day of the war. Yet you are the only person in your administration saying this; even your defense secretary refused to comment when asked why you’re the only one saying it.” Trump responded, “Simply because I don’t have enough information on the matter. I understand this is under investigation. But, as you know, Tomahawks are used by other countries; many other nations have Tomahawks and buy them from us. Whatever the report shows, I will accept it.”

When U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, standing beside Trump, was asked whether Iran was responsible, he replied, “We are definitely investigating the matter,” adding, “But the only side targeting civilians is Iran.” Trump then reiterated, “We believe Iran did it because they are extremely inaccurate with their munitions—they have no precision at all. Iran did it.”

After reviewing military records and official documents from relevant authorities, Misbar’s team at Al Araby TV concluded that Trump’s claim that Iran possesses Tomahawk missiles is baseless. No official data or international arms trade records indicate that this exclusive U.S. technology has reached Iran’s arsenal.

Iran Does Not Possess Tomahawk Missiles

The Tomahawk cruise missile is a highly precise, long-range strategic land-attack weapon designed for deep-strike missions by U.S. forces and selected international partners.

Produced by the U.S. defense company Raytheon, the missile can be launched from multiple platforms, including ships, submarines and ground-based systems. It can strike targets with high accuracy from distances of up to 1,000 miles, allowing it to bypass heavily fortified air defense systems.

Technically, Tomahawk missiles fly at very low altitudes and high subsonic speeds, following evasive routes guided by multiple mission-specific navigation systems. The system saw major improvements in its fourth generation, known as the Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM), which includes an advanced data link enabling operators to change targets or adjust the missile’s flight path while it is in flight.

The missile has undergone more than 550 flight tests and has been used operationally over 2,350 times since its first combat deployment during the Gulf War in 1991. It was also used in strikes carried out by U.S. and British forces against Houthi targets in Yemen in 2024 and has been employed in ongoing military operations targeting sites inside Iran during the current offensive.

Although several countries besides the United States possess Tomahawk missiles, none are involved in the ongoing offensive against Iran. Since the 1990s, Washington has restricted the purchase of the system to a limited number of strategic allies. According to official sources, current international operators include the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and the Netherlands. Due to longstanding hostilities and comprehensive sanctions imposed by Washington, Iran remains excluded from any agreements involving the sale or transfer of the technology.

Cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom on the Tomahawk missile program dates back to 1995, when the two governments signed an agreement under the Foreign Military Sales framework. Under the deal, Britain acquired 65 Block III missiles, becoming the first country outside the United States to obtain the system.

In 2006, the United Kingdom purchased an additional 65 Block IV missiles equipped with torpedo-tube launch capability, with deliveries to British forces beginning in 2008.

In 2022, the British Ministry of Defence announced a £265 million contract with the U.S. government to upgrade the Royal Navy’s stockpile of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM). The agreement aims to equip Astute-class submarines with the latest Block V version, ensuring the system remains effective against future threats.

Japan also moved to acquire the system. On November 17, 2023, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of Tomahawk weapons systems and related equipment to the Japanese government, with an estimated value of $2.35 billion.

Japan’s request included the purchase of 400 Tomahawk missiles — 200 Block IV and 200 Block V — along with 14 Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control Systems. The package also included technical support, mission distribution program centers, containers, feasibility studies and the software required to operate the system.

Regarding Australia, the government announced in a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on August 21, 2023, a decision to purchase more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States in a deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion.

In December 2024, Australia became the third country after the United States and the United Kingdom to successfully launch a Tomahawk missile. The destroyer HMAS Brisbane fired the missile during evaluation tests conducted off the U.S. coast.

As for the Netherlands, the U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of Tomahawk land-attack missiles in April 2025 with an estimated value of $2.19 billion. The request included 163 Block V missiles and 12 Block IV missiles, along with range-measurement missiles and Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control Systems, in addition to a broad package of technical and logistical equipment.

U.S. Sanctions on Iran

Another factor underscoring the improbability of Iran possessing a weapon such as the Tomahawk missile is the extensive U.S. sanctions imposed on the country. Through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of the Treasury administers and enforces a comprehensive trade embargo against Iran under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (31 C.F.R. Part 560 – ITSR).

The ITSR broadly prohibit most direct or indirect commercial or financial transactions involving Iran by U.S. persons or within the United States, unless authorized by OFAC or exempt under U.S. law.

In addition, the regulations generally bar U.S. persons from engaging in transactions involving the Government of Iran or Iranian financial institutions. They are also required to block property and interests belonging to those parties if such assets come under the possession or control of a U.S. person, unless the activity is exempt or specifically authorized by OFAC.

The ITSR also restrict re-exports to Iran by non-U.S. persons. Individuals or entities outside the United States are prohibited from re-exporting goods, technology or services originally exported from the United States through a third country, whether directly or indirectly, if they know—or have reason to believe—that the transfer is intended for Iran or the Iranian government and the item is subject to U.S. export licensing requirements.

These restrictions also apply to foreign-made products containing significant U.S.-controlled components. Non-U.S. persons are prohibited from re-exporting such items to Iran if the products include 10% or more U.S.-controlled content by value.

What If Iran Had Tomahawk Missiles?

According to reports, even if Iran somehow obtained a Tomahawk missile, operating it would require specialized technical equipment and the capability to program flight paths and upload the data to the missile’s onboard computer—complex systems essential for preparing it for launch. It would also require a compatible launch platform capable of firing the missile without causing damage.

The United States also requires all countries receiving U.S. defense articles or services to obtain prior written approval from the State Department before transferring or disposing of them to any “third party.” These rules are intended to ensure weapons remain under the control of authorized entities and to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching unauthorized or hostile destinations.

Transfers of U.S. defense articles and equipment to third parties are strictly overseen by Congress under Section 3(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The law mandates formal congressional notification at least 30 days before approving any transfer involving major defense equipment (MDE) valued at $14 million or more for non-NATO countries, or $25 million for NATO members and selected allies, including Australia and Japan. The requirement also applies to defense-related services or training exceeding $50 million for non-allies, or $100 million for NATO members and close allies.

Additionally, the United States has never lost an intact Tomahawk missile in incidents involving Iran or in areas accessible to the country. Unlike other technologies, such as the RQ-170 drone that was downed in Iran, there is no evidence that Tehran has acquired a fully operational Tomahawk missile capable of being reverse-engineered and deployed.

Did Iran Target Minab School as Trump Claimed?

Regarding Trump’s claim that Iran struck the school, Misbar analyzed the missile that landed at the Sayyid al-Shuhada Complex, which houses Minab School, and found a geometric match with a Tomahawk missile, particularly in the design of its short mid-wings and distinctive streamlined nose.

The analysis was reinforced by videos showing the missile being launched from U.S. ships in the region, which display a clear similarity in shape and structure.

Misbar also examined images of the missile debris that struck the school, published by Iranian journalist Ali Reza Akbari, including electronic and hydraulic components. The images confirmed the missile’s U.S. origin, with “Made in USA” visible on several parts.

Further comparisons with debris from similar missiles recovered in Syria and Yemen revealed a close match between the fragments found near the school and a Tomahawk missile.

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