Israeli airstrikes hit two schools in Iran on February 28, 2026, killing at least 50-85 people, mostly students, as part of a broader US-Israel military operation against Iran. The primary attack targeted Shajareye Tayabeh, a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province in southern Iran, where Iranian state media reported 53-85 deaths and 60-63 injuries. A second strike east of Tehran killed at least two more students.
Incident Details
The strikes occurred amid escalating tensions, described by Israel as a “preemptive” operation to eliminate threats from the Iranian regime. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as a “crime against innocent children” that “will not go unanswered,” sharing images of the destruction. Rescue operations continued amid debris removal, with officials like Minab Governor Mohammad Radmehr confirming the school was directly hit. Iranian media linked the site to a nearby Revolutionary Guard base, though the casualties were overwhelmingly civilian.
This fits into a larger US-Israel campaign launched early Saturday, with explosions reported across Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, and other areas. US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” against their leadership, while Israel mobilized reservists and shut schools, airspace, and public gatherings.
Reactions and Context
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei called for UN Security Council action, labeling it a “blatant crime” and violation of sovereignty. No immediate US or Israeli confirmation addressed the schools specifically, though Israel claimed targets were military. Al Jazeera noted the strikes undermine claims of sparing civilians, echoing a 12-day US-Iran conflict in June 2025 that killed thousands.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel, prompting shelters and hospital evacuations there. The attacks disrupted Oman-mediated nuclear talks.
Casualties and Impact
| Location | Deaths | Injuries | Source [web:#] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minab Girls’ School (Hormozgan) | 53-85 (mostly students) | 60-63 | Aljazeera |
| School east of Tehran | 2 students | Unknown | Aljazeera |
Total confirmed deaths exceed 50, with higher figures from some reports amid ongoing rescues. Civilian toll highlights risks in urban strikes.