Israeli Strikes on Iran Reportedly Hit School, Killing Over 160, Sparking International Concern
MINAB, Iran (AP) — A school in southern Iran was struck by missiles on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 165 people, most of them students, Iranian authorities reported. The strikes, which targeted the Shajare Tayyebeh all-girls elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, have ignited international concern and prompted denials from both the United States and Israel regarding direct involvement.
The attacks occurred amidst a wave of strikes across Iran following negotiations between Iran and the US, mediated by Oman, on February 28, 2026. While Iranian state media directly attributed the school strike to Israel, Israeli officials stated they were unaware of any such attack. The U.S. government said it was investigating the reports.
“The number of student martyrs at Minab School has reached 108, and relief and debris removal operations are still ongoing,” a spokesperson for the Iranian Red Crescent said on Saturday, a figure that climbed to 165 by Sunday as search operations concluded, according to a provincial governor.
Footage circulating online, geolocated to the school in Minab by France 24, shows a damaged building with black smoke billowing from the site. Murals depicting children’s drawings adorn the walls. A second video, verified by the New York Times, shows the damaged structure from a different angle, with distressed bystanders nearby.
The incident has raised questions about the targeting of civilian infrastructure during military operations. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm,” a CENTCOM spokesperson was quoted as saying by the New York Times.
Access to the location for independent verification remains limited, with Iranian authorities requiring explicit approval for foreign media organizations wishing to report outside Tehran. AFP has been unable to independently verify the toll or the circumstances surrounding the event.
Norway-based rights group Hengaw is investigating the identities of the students allegedly killed, stating the school was in session with approximately 170 students present at the time of the strike.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where tankers have reportedly been caught in the crossfire. The situation underscores the fragility of peace in the Middle East and the potential for escalation.
