A powerful military airstrike hit two educational institutions in southern Iran on Saturday, killing dozens of young students and injuring many more as broader regional hostilities escalate. The attacks, part of a larger military campaign, have sparked international concern over civilian casualties and prompted strong condemnation from local officials.
Deadly Strikes Target Schools in Minab and Beyond
In the early hours, missiles struck a girls’ elementary school in the port city of Minab, situated in Hormozgan province, claiming the lives of more than 80 people, most of whom were schoolchildren. Rescue teams worked amid rubble to recover victims and treat the injured, while back-to-back reports indicated another school east of Tehran was also hit, adding to the mounting death toll.
Local Iranian state media described harrowing scenes of backpacks and schoolbooks scattered across destroyed classrooms, underscoring the civilian toll of the strikes. Authorities reported that many of the victims were young girls attending classes when the buildings were obliterated.
Government Condemns Attack, Calls for International Action
Iranian officials condemned the attacks as blatant acts of aggression and crimes against humanity, demanding accountability from global institutions. National leaders called on the United Nations to intervene and take action to prevent further civilian harm, highlighting the devastating impact on families and communities.
Local reactions included shock and grief, with parents and residents mourning the loss of children who were simply attending school. Emergency response crews have continued search-and-rescue operations at the strike sites amid widespread devastation.
Wider Regional Conflict Intensifies Civilian Hardship
The deadly school strikes come amid a wave of coordinated military actions in the region, with Iran and foreign forces engaged in escalating hostilities that have disrupted daily life across multiple cities. Iran’s Foreign Ministry labeled the attacks a severe breach of international law, further deepening tensions across the Middle East and raising fears of broader civilian suffering.
