A coordinated series of airstrikes by the United States and Israel against targets across Iran caused significant destruction and civilian casualties, including a devastating strike on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab. Iranian state media and local officials reported that at least 40 schoolgirls were killed in the attack, with dozens more wounded, marking one of the deadliest incidents affecting children amid escalating regional conflict.

The joint military action, described by some sources as Operation “Lion’s Roar”, involved airborne and missile strikes targeting strategic locations in Tehran and other urban centres, as well as military leadership and infrastructure. Explosions were reported in cities including Tehran and Minab, intensifying fears of widespread conflict and prompting alarm across the Middle East.

School Strike and Rising Death Toll

The most shocking outcome of the offensive was the attack on Shajareh Tayyibeh Primary School in Minab, located in Hormozgan Province near the Persian Gulf. According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the school was struck during the strikes, killing at least 40 young girls and injuring around 45 others as rescue teams worked amid chaos. Many of the victims were reportedly between the ages of 7 and 12 when the school was hit during morning classes.

While initial death tolls varied between sources, Iranian officials stressed the severity of the civilian losses, drawing international attention and condemning the attack as a grave humanitarian tragedy. Rescue operations at the site continued as distraught families and local authorities sought to account for students in the debris.

Military Escalation and Regional Fallout

The airstrikes marked a major escalation in tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel. According to international reports, the offensive was justified by Washington and Tel Aviv as an effort to counter perceived national security threats and halt Iran’s military capabilities following breakdowns in nuclear negotiations earlier in 2026.

In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. forces and Israeli positions, including hits on bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and other Gulf states, expanding the conflict’s geographical scope. Explosions were reported in cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai as countries across the region scrambled to close airspace and protect civilian infrastructure.

Iranian officials condemned the strikes as violations of international law and acts of aggression, with the nation’s foreign ministry calling for an immediate end to military operations by external forces. Tehran also signalled its intent to pursue diplomatic avenues while preparing for potential further escalation.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Concerns

The targeting of a school and the resulting deaths of children drew swift criticism from humanitarian organisations and world leaders, who urged restraint and the protection of civilians under international law. The United Nations and various human rights groups expressed alarm at the impact on non-combatants, especially children, as tensions continued to rise in an already volatile region.

The incident has amplified worries that the ongoing clashes could spiral into a broader regional crisis, with global diplomatic efforts now focused on de-escalation and urgent negotiations to prevent further violence. International voices have called for immediate dialogue to address the mounting humanitarian toll and bring conflicting parties back to negotiation tables.

Looking Ahead

As information continues to emerge from Minab and other affected areas, the full humanitarian impact of the airstrikes remains under investigation. Families and communities in southern Iran are grappling with grief, while military and diplomatic developments are being closely monitored by governments worldwide.

The tragic deaths of dozens of schoolgirls have underscored the profound human cost of conflict, heightening global calls for accountability and the protection of civilians even amid complex geopolitical confrontations.

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