In a tragic development amid heightened military tensions, Iranian state media has reported that a U.S. airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least 85 individuals at the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in the city of Minab, Hormozgan province. The strike, which took place on a Saturday morning, coincided with a series of coordinated military operations by U.S. and Israeli forces known as Operation Epic Fury, targeting various locations within Iran.
The majority of those who perished in the attack were schoolgirls aged between seven and twelve. Iranian news outlets Tasnim and Fars disseminated the initial reports, which were subsequently broadcast on Iranian state television. They depicted severe damage to the school's infrastructure and civilians frantically searching through debris. The scene was one of devastation, with smoke ascending from the ruins and audible cries of children amid the chaos.
A teacher, interviewed by Middle East Eye, recounted stepping outside shortly before the explosion only to return to a harrowing scene of destruction and loss. She described a profound sense of shock and speechlessness upon witnessing the aftermath. The teacher's account added a haunting personal dimension to the event, conveying the immediate impact on the community.
At the time of the airstrike, approximately 170 girls were present in the school. It is important to note that Saturday marks the start of the working week in Iran, which explains the presence of students and staff at the educational facility.
While these reports have yet to be confirmed independently, skepticism has been advised by some sources, including those cited by the Daily Mail, cautioning that wartime reports from the Iranian regime should be treated with circumspection due to the possibility of propaganda.
U.S. Central Command, in response to the incident, stated awareness of the civilian harm reports and stressed the importance of protecting civilians. A spokesperson indicated that investigations into these reports are underway, emphasizing the military's commitment to minimizing unintended harm.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack via social media, characterizing the school as a primary educational institution "bombed in broad daylight" while students were inside.
The military operations on that day involved the U.S. launching Tomahawk missiles and deploying Air Force and Navy aircraft in conjunction with Israeli forces. Targets included Iranian leadership figures, missile infrastructure, naval capabilities, and nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at U.S. military bases across the Middle East, with regional governments reporting interceptions and explosions.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the potential for U.S. casualties as a result of the operation, candidly stating that "we may have casualties." The report of civilian deaths has further fueled a heated political debate within the United States. Commentator Tucker Carlson denounced the military action, while former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) questioned the wisdom of U.S. involvement in what she suggested might be regime change efforts.
The incident has not only escalated military tensions but has also stirred a wave of emotional and political responses globally. As the situation develops and more information becomes available, the international community awaits clear answers and accountability for this catastrophic event.
