Breaking: Israeli Strike Hits Iranian Girls School, 63+ Dead

In a devastating escalation of Middle East hostilities, an Israeli missile strike has reportedly hit an elementary girls' school in southern Iran, killing at least 63 students and injuring 92 others according to Iranian state media. The attack on February 28, 2026, targeted the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, during morning classes when approximately 170 students were present. This incident represents one of the deadliest single attacks on civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

What Happened in Minab?

The strike occurred in Minab, the second-largest city in Hormozgan province located along Iran's southern coast near the Sea of Oman. Iranian state television and social media footage showed extensive damage to the single-story school building, with rescue workers frantically searching through rubble for trapped students. According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, the school suffered a direct hit around midday, causing the building to partially collapse.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Araghchi expressed outrage on social media platform X, stating: 'The school was bombarded in the middle of the day while many young students were inside. Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this location alone. These crimes against the Iranian people will not go unanswered.'

Casualty Figures and Rescue Operations

Initial casualty reports vary between sources, but all indicate significant loss of life among young students:

• 63 confirmed dead according to initial IRNA reports
• 92 injured students transported to local hospitals
• Dozens still trapped under collapsed school structure
• Victims reportedly aged 7-12 years old

Emergency services from across Hormozgan province have been deployed to Minab, with rescue operations continuing through the afternoon. The school's location near a suspected Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps base has raised questions about whether it was an intended target or collateral damage in broader military operations.

Broader Military Context

The school attack occurred as part of a major joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran, codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury' by US officials. The broader offensive has targeted multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan, with strikes reported near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offices and Revolutionary Guard headquarters.

US President Donald Trump announced the beginning of 'major combat operations in Iran' via social media, calling for regime change and urging Iranians to 'take over' their government. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Israeli military sites.

The conflict has disrupted regional stability, with commercial flights across the Middle East being rerouted and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz affected. This escalation follows months of Iranian protests and economic crisis that have weakened the Tehran government's domestic position.

International Reactions and Verification Challenges

The United States Department of Defense has acknowledged awareness of 'reports about civilian casualties from ongoing military operations' but has not confirmed the specific school attack. A Pentagon spokesperson told CNN: 'The protection of civilians is of utmost importance and we will continue to take all available precautions to minimize the risk of unintended harm.'

Israel has not officially commented on the Minab school incident. Independent verification remains challenging due to internet disruptions and restricted access to the affected area. International humanitarian organizations have called for immediate investigation into potential violations of international law regarding protection of civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.

Impact on Regional Stability

The attack on a civilian school represents a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict dynamics, potentially violating established norms of warfare. Educational facilities are specifically protected under international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions which designate schools as civilian objects that should not be targeted.

The incident has triggered panic across Iran, with reports of massive traffic jams in Tehran as parents rushed to collect children from schools, long lines at ATMs and gas stations, and concerns about broader internet blackouts. Iranian authorities have ordered nationwide school closures and implemented emergency measures.

Analysts warn that attacks on civilian targets could trigger broader regional conflict and complicate diplomatic efforts. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to address the escalating violence and civilian casualties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current death toll from the Minab school attack?

Initial reports indicate at least 63 students killed and 92 injured, though these numbers may rise as rescue operations continue and more victims are recovered from the rubble.

Has Israel confirmed responsibility for the strike?

Israel has not officially commented on the specific school attack, though the strike is widely attributed to Israeli forces as part of joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

Where is Minab located?

Minab is a city in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, located along the Sea of Oman coast. It's the second-largest city in the province with a population of approximately 73,000 people.

What international laws protect schools during conflicts?

Schools are protected under the Geneva Conventions as civilian objects. Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions specifically prohibits attacks on educational institutions, and the Safe Schools Declaration provides further protections.

How has Iran responded to the broader attacks?

Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as Israeli military sites. The country has also closed its airspace and disrupted internet access following the attacks.

Sources

Al Jazeera: Israeli strikes target schools in Iran
CNN: US-Israel joint attack on Iran
EFE: At least 40 girls killed in Israeli strike
Metro: Missile strikes on Iranian primary school