A US-Israel airstrike on the morning of 28/2, targeting various areas in Iran, struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab district, Hormozgan province. Minab authorities reported that the attack killed at least 85 students and injured 60. Search operations for victims trapped in the rubble are ongoing, and the casualty count may change.
Images released by Iranian media show the two-story school almost completely destroyed, with black smoke still rising from classrooms. Parents and local residents gathered around, crying as they searched for victims.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the attack occurred in broad daylight while the Shajareh Tayyebeh school was full of students. He described it as a "crime against the Iranian people" and affirmed that Iran would respond.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also called the actions of the US and Israel "aggressive and unjustified," asserting that targeting Iranian cities, including the Shajareh Tayyebeh school, constitutes a "blatant crime." Baghaei emphasized the need for an international response and immediate action from the United Nations Security Council, in accordance with its responsibilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the school attack a "heartbreaking tragedy," extending his deepest condolences to the victims' families and the people of Minab.
Pezeshkian stated that attacking civilian facilities is an inhumane act. He also called for immediate, comprehensive medical support for the injured and long-term humanitarian aid for those affected.
Mohammed Vall, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran, noted that the strike raised doubts about US and Israeli claims that they were "only targeting military objectives."
"President Donald Trump pledged to help the Iranian people, but now we only see civilian casualties," Vall said.
Colonel Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, said they received information about civilian casualties at Shajareh Tayyebeh school and are reviewing it seriously.
"Protecting civilians is paramount, and we continue to take precautions to minimize undue harm to them," he stated. However, Hawkins did not explain why a missile might have struck the school in Iran.
The US and Israeli militaries launched a campaign against Iran on the morning of 28/2, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, as well as high-ranking officials and generals.
Iran swiftly announced a retaliatory operation against Israeli territory and several US bases in Middle Eastern countries, claiming to inflict damage on the adversary. In a statement regarding the operation, President Donald Trump warned that US forces could suffer many casualties in this conflict.
Officials and leaders from countries and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions, resume negotiations, and prevent civilian casualties.
By Ngoc Anh (Based on Al Jazeera, WANA, Reuters)
