World

Deadly Strike on Minab Girls’ School Raises Global Questions Over Responsibility

A deadly attack on the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab has triggered international condemnation and renewed debate about civilian safety during armed conflicts.

The strike reportedly occurred on February 28, the same day the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran. The operation was described by Washington as “Operation Epic Fury” and by Israel as “Operation Lion’s Roar.”

According to eyewitness accounts, at least two missiles struck the school in quick succession. Initial reports suggest that more than 170 people were killed, most of them young students. Additional missiles are believed to have hit nearby warehouse buildings close to the school.

Footage circulating online showed significant destruction at the site, with rescue teams searching through debris while families looked for missing children. Images of graves being prepared for victims further intensified global reactions.

The United Nations condemned the attack, stating that strikes on educational facilities represent a serious violation of international humanitarian norms. A UN spokesperson emphasized that attacks on schools threaten children, education, and the future of entire communities.

Conflicting Statements From Officials

Following the incident, officials from the United States and Israel issued statements denying deliberate attacks on civilians.

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman suggested that the building might have been used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rather than functioning solely as a school. However, the Israel Defense Forces later said that preliminary checks had not established any connection between the Israeli military and the incident.

In Washington, several senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasized that U.S. forces do not intentionally target civilian infrastructure.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned reporters against drawing conclusions without confirmed evidence, stating that the United States does not conduct military operations aimed at civilians.

Former President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, suggesting that Iran could have been responsible due to alleged inaccuracies in its weapons systems. However, the Pentagon said the event remained under investigation.

Iran’s Response

Iranian officials strongly rejected those explanations and blamed the United States and Israel for the strike.

Several government representatives described the attack as a potential war crime and called for international accountability. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the strike, saying the scale of civilian casualties required a serious global response.

Iran’s ambassador to Belarus, Alireza Sanei, also accused the United States and Israel of responsibility and demanded that the international community address the incident.

Ongoing Uncertainty

At present, the exact circumstances surrounding the Minab school bombing remain unclear. With competing claims and limited independent verification, analysts say determining responsibility may require a comprehensive international investigation.

The tragedy has nevertheless intensified concerns about civilian protection as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate.