A strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, during the opening hours of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on Saturday resulted in the deaths of more than 100 children, according to Iranian officials and teachers within the country.
A School in the Crossfire
The school, located in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, was struck Saturday morning, the start of the school week. Shiva Amelirad, a Canada-based representative of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, reported to TIME that at least 108 children were killed, based on information from sources in Minab.
The exact number of casualties remains difficult to ascertain, with reports steadily increasing since the incident. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Dr. Esmaeil Baghaei stated Sunday that 150 “innocent school girls” were killed, with some still trapped in the rubble. The city’s prosecutor reported 165 deaths to the state-run IRNA news agency on Sunday.
Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for Iran’s health ministry, said Saturday that most of those killed were “young martyrs.” He later reported on X Sunday that the toll from “a single missile strike” had risen to 180.
Videos and photographs circulating on Telegram show a partially collapsed building with black smoke billowing from its windows. Rescue workers are seen sorting through rubble and backpacks.
Response and Investigation
The U.S. Department of Defense, when asked for comment by TIME, directed inquiries to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command’s X pages. Neither account has directly commented on the school strike. A Pentagon spokesman stated the agency is aware of reports of civilian harm and is investigating, emphasizing the importance of civilian protection.
The Israeli military stated it was not aware of strikes in the area, according to the Associated Press.
Shiva Amelirad reported, based on local accounts in Minab, that the school had previously served as a military facility before being converted for use by children, including those from military families who benefited from lower tuition.
Reactions to the Strike
The strike prompted a reaction from some supporters of President Donald Trump. Former Rep. Marjory Taylor Greene of Georgia wrote on X Saturday that she did not support this outcome. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai condemned the strikes and the deaths of the schoolchildren on social media, stating, “The killing of civilians, especially children, is unconscionable, and I condemn it unequivocally.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the school in Minab?
A strike during the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran hit a girls’ elementary school in Minab, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 children, according to Iranian officials and teachers.
What is the status of the casualty count?
The precise death toll is still being determined, with reports ranging from 150 to 180 deaths. The number has been rising since the incident.
What has been the international response to the strike?
UNESCO stated it was “deeply alarmed” by the impact of the strikes on educational institutions. Malala Yousafzai condemned the killings, and some supporters of President Trump expressed their disapproval.
As the conflict unfolds, what steps will be taken to protect civilian populations and infrastructure in Iran?
