Updated on: March 2, 2026 / 4:59 PM EST / CBS News
Washington — First lady Melania Trump presided Monday over a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on education’s role in “advancing tolerance and world peace,” as the U.S. military continues strikes in Iran.
In her opening remarks, the first lady offered “heartfelt condolences” to families of lost service members and expressed hope that “peace will belong to the children of the world,” without naming the ongoing U.S. military operation.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” she said. “Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered. I extend my earnest wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these challenging times. The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon, peace will be yours.”
U.N. Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo was more specific, noting that children are often among the worst affected when conflicts erupt. “We have been reminded of this truth over the last two days,” DiCarlo said, citing school closures in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman because of the military operations. She also referenced reports from Iran alleging dozens of children were killed when a strike hit an elementary school in Minab, and said U.S. authorities are looking into those reports. CBS News has not independently verified the reported strike.
“Clearly, the United States would not deliberately target a school,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters, while saying he did not have all the details.
As is typical, representatives from various countries spoke. Russia, a permanent Security Council member, participated in the meeting, even as members raised concerns about children’s safety in Ukraine. The first lady has worked on efforts to return Ukrainian children from Russia and reunite them with their families.
The session lasted nearly two hours, after which Melania Trump concluded the meeting. The White House had confirmed last week that the first lady would preside over the council; that announcement came before the weekend’s joint U.S.-Israel military mission in Iran. One of the strikes reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Pentagon says six U.S. service members have been killed so far and many more injured in the operation.
The White House said the meeting focused on “education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.” Melania Trump is the first first lady to chair a Security Council meeting and has prioritized the safety of children in the digital age.
First lady Melania Trump presides over a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, at U.N. headquarters in New York, on March 2, 2026. — Angelina Katsanis / AP