Iran School Strike: What We Know About the Minab Airstrike

A missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, 2026, resulted in significant casualties, sparking international concern and scrutiny. Initial reports from Iranian state media indicate between 165 and 180 people were killed, the majority of whom were schoolchildren [1]. This attack occurred during the first day of the Israeli-United States strikes on Iran [2].

What Happened in Minab?

On Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, students gathered at the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab as initial strikes by Israel and the United States began [3]. A missile struck the school during the morning session, causing the roof to collapse and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Iranian authorities reported at least 95 people were wounded in addition to the fatalities [3]. The victims were primarily girls aged between 7 and 12 [3].

Conflicting Accounts and Investigations

Following the attack, both Israeli and U.S. Authorities initially distanced themselves from responsibility, stating they were unaware a school had been hit [3]. Some pro-Israel websites and social media accounts claimed the site was linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [3]. However, an investigation by Al Jazeera’s digital investigations unit, utilizing over a decade of satellite imagery, video clips, news reports, and official Iranian statements, found the school had been clearly separate from any adjacent military site for at least ten years [3]. The investigation also raised questions about the accuracy of the intelligence used to justify the bombing [3].

The Aftermath and Reactions

Images of the devastation quickly spread on social media, showing the school in ruins and the tragic loss of life [4]. Rescuers worked to pull bodies from the rubble, with reports detailing the recovery of children’s belongings amidst the debris [4]. A mass funeral was held in Minab for the victims [5]. The President of Iran called for accountability following the attacks on the school and a hospital [5].

Key Takeaways

• The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, Iran, was struck by a missile on February 28, 2026, during the initial phase of the Israeli-United States strikes on Iran.
• The attack resulted in a high number of casualties, with Iranian authorities reporting between 165 and 180 deaths, primarily among schoolchildren.
• Initial claims of the site being linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been challenged by investigations showing the school was separate from any military facility for at least a decade.
• The incident has raised questions about the accuracy of intelligence and the potential for deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.