Over 160 Schoolgirls Killed in US-Israeli Airstrike in Iran, Sparks International Outrage

Iran blames the US and Israel for the tragic bombing of a primary school, demanding accountability.

Reports emerge of schoolgirls affected during alleged US-Israeli bombing in Iran
(Source: X/ @araghchi)

A horrific incident unfolded in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, when a primary school, located near a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was bombed by an airstrike. The attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 160 lives, predominantly schoolgirls, has raised global concerns and sparked a wave of international condemnation.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi shared a heartbreaking image on social media, condemning what he called the “murder” of over 160 young girls, who were students at the targeted primary school. The image showed rows of freshly dug graves, an unsettling symbol of the lives lost in the bombing. Araghchi described how the girls’ bodies were “torn to shreds” by the bombing, further emphasizing the brutal nature of the attack.

According to reports from Iranian officials, the death toll of the tragic incident stands at more than 150 people, with many of the victims being young children. Al Jazeera reported the toll at 165, underlining the scale of the human tragedy. While Iran blamed the United States and Israel for the attack, claiming it was part of the broader military action carried out against the country, the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) stated it was looking into the reports. Meanwhile, Israel’s military responded by saying it was “not aware” of any operations in the area during that time.

A School Under Siege

The school, located in the city of Minab, near the Strait of Hormuz, was allegedly targeted due to its proximity to an IRGC base, which has been a known target of military operations in the past. The bombings were part of a series of strikes carried out by the US and Israeli military forces on February 28, 2026, as part of Operation Epic Fury (also referred to as Lion’s Roar).

The attack on the school, which had no military presence, was widely condemned by global human rights organizations. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, expressed deep concern about the impact of the attack on children and teachers, stating that attacks on educational institutions violate international humanitarian law and endanger the right to education. The organization also reminded that schools and students are protected under the laws of armed conflict, and such violence undermines their fundamental right to learn in a safe environment.

Mourning and Escalation of Tensions

The tragedy comes during a period of national mourning in Iran, following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 25. The Iranian government declared a 40-day mourning period, as is customary in Shia Islam. The mourning period, known as Arba’een, holds significant religious weight, marking 40 days after a major loss or death.

In response to the increasing regional tensions, particularly following the US and Israel’s strikes, Iranian authorities have heightened security measures, especially in major cities like Tehran. As protests continue to spread throughout Iran, the government has warned citizens against any actions that could lead to further unrest.

In addition to the mourning period for Khamenei’s death, the bombing of the primary school has intensified the already fragile political climate in the region. The Iranian government, alongside the families of the victims, is calling for an immediate investigation into the attack and for those responsible to be held accountable.

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The Global Reaction

Internationally, the attack has drawn condemnation from various quarters. Human rights organizations, foreign governments, and diplomats have all expressed outrage over the killing of so many innocent children. The situation has further worsened the already tense geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with countries such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations being increasingly drawn into the conflict.

The US and Israel’s involvement in the bombing, if proven, could severely escalate the already volatile situation in the region. There are concerns that such attacks could lead to further instability, drawing more countries into the ongoing conflict between Iran and its adversaries in the region.

Many have pointed out that such attacks, targeting non-combatants, are violations of international law and the principles of human rights. The world is now awaiting the response of international organizations, such as the United Nations, which has often condemned the targeting of civilians in conflict zones.

Looking Ahead: Iran’s Response and the Global Consequences

The situation in Iran remains extremely tense as the country assesses the ramifications of the attack. Iran’s government has vowed to seek justice for the victims of the bombing and holds the US and Israel responsible. Military and diplomatic tensions continue to rise, and the world watches closely, knowing that any further escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.

While the immediate focus remains on the bombing, the wider geopolitical ramifications are significant. As military responses continue to unfold, the international community must come together to push for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolution of tensions in the Middle East.

The tragic loss of life in Minab, especially the deaths of innocent children, underscores the heavy human cost of conflicts in the region. As the situation evolves, the world waits for justice and answers, hoping that such senseless acts of violence will not continue to define the future of the Middle East.