Funerals have been held for students and school staff who were killed in a strike that hit a girls’ school in southern Iran. Iranian authorities said the attack occurred in the city of Minab during a wave of military strikes targeting the country.
Officials in Iran reported that more than 160 people were killed when the school building was struck by missiles on Saturday morning. The incident reportedly took place as the United States and Israel carried out attacks against Iranian military sites and leadership targets. The reported casualty figures have not been independently verified by international media.
Authorities said the school was located around 600 metres from a base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian officials stated that three missiles struck the building while it was likely occupied, as Saturday is part of the country’s working week.
Large crowds gathered in Minab for funeral processions broadcast on state television. Coffins wrapped in the national flag were carried through the streets as mourners paid their respects to the victims.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal act and accusing the attackers of committing another serious crime.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also criticised the strike and shared images on social media showing rows of newly dug graves, saying the tragedy reflected the consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The US military said it is reviewing reports of the incident. Marco Rubio stated that the United States does not deliberately target schools or civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it was not aware of any operation conducted in the area.
A spokesperson for United States Central Command said the reports are being taken seriously and emphasised that protecting civilians remains a priority during military operations.
