A devastating airstrike that struck a girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, has triggered global outrage and urgent calls for investigation, as conflicting reports continue to emerge about the scale of the tragedy.

The strike occurred on February 28, 2026, during active school hours, when dozens of young students were inside the building. According to Iranian authorities, the attack resulted in mass casualties, with estimates ranging widely—from dozens to over 160 fatalities, most of them schoolgirls.

Some reports suggest the death toll could be even higher, with rescue teams continuing to search through rubble in the aftermath of the explosion.

However, the exact number of victims has not been independently verified, and international observers have urged caution as information remains limited amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian officials have blamed the strike on joint U.S.-Israeli military operations, calling it a “violation of sovereignty” and a “war crime.” Meanwhile, both the United States and Israel have stated they are aware of reports of civilian casualties but have not confirmed responsibility for the school strike.

The United Nations has called for an immediate and transparent investigation, describing the incident as “absolutely horrific” and emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians—especially children—in conflict zones.

Satellite imagery and independent analyses have raised serious questions about whether the strike was accidental or the result of flawed intelligence.

As images of destroyed classrooms and blood-stained school supplies circulate online, the tragedy has become one of the most shocking moments of the current Middle East escalation—highlighting once again the devastating human cost of war.