Iran Holds Mass Funerals for Schoolgirls Killed in Airstrike

2026-03-04 region

Minab, 4 March 2026
Thousands gathered in southern Iran to mourn 165 victims, mostly young girls aged 7-12, killed when missiles struck their elementary school on 28 February 2026 during US-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites.

Tragedy Unfolds in Southern Iran

The devastating attack occurred following the coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, 28 February 2026, as detailed in previous reporting (https://kakuma.bytes.news/3819185-Iran-Middle-East/). The Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab was struck by three missiles at approximately 10:43 local time on Saturday morning [1][3], killing 165 people and injuring 95 others [3]. The majority of victims were young schoolgirls aged between 7 and 12 years old, attending classes from grades 1 through 6 [2][3]. The school was operating during Iran’s six-day working week, which runs from Saturday to Thursday, making it likely that the building was occupied when struck [1].

Disputed Claims Over School’s Military Connections

The elementary school was located approximately 600 metres from an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base [1], leading to conflicting accounts about the nature of the target. While some pro-Israel social media accounts claimed the school was part of the IRGC base, Al Jazeera’s Digital Unit investigation revealed that the school had been physically separated from the military complex since 2016, with internal walls, removed watchtowers, and new gates [3]. Verified video footage shows separate plumes of smoke from the military complex and the school, contradicting claims that the school was damaged by debris from the attack on the military base [3]. The school is administratively affiliated with the IRGC Navy and prioritises children of military personnel, though international humanitarian law protects children and teachers as civilians unless the school is used for combat operations [3].

International Response and Accountability Questions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that ‘The US would not deliberately target a school’ and emphasised that ‘the United States would not target a school’ [1]. However, Centcom spokesman Tim Hawkins acknowledged the reports seriously, saying ‘We take these reports seriously’ and that ‘The protection of civilians is of utmost importance’ [1]. Israel’s military said it was ‘not aware’ of any operations in the area [1]. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted a photo on social media of graves being dug for 160 people, commenting: ‘This is how “rescue” promised by Mr Trump looks in reality’ [1]. President Masoud Pezeshkian called the incident a ‘barbaric act’ and ‘another black page in the record of countless crimes committed by the aggressors’ [1].

Regional Impact and Escalating Tensions

The school attack is part of a broader escalation that has seen Iranian retaliation strikes across Gulf states following the initial US-Israeli offensive. According to the latest updates, at least 555 people have died across Iran as a result of US and Israeli strikes, including both military personnel and civilians [4]. Gulf states have found themselves on the front line of this conflict, with Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al Ansari stating on Tuesday that ‘All the red lines have already been crossed’ and that ‘attacks like these will not go unanswered and cannot go unanswered’ [5]. The Gulf Cooperation Council met in emergency session on 1 March 2026, pledging to defend their security and territories [5]. Universities across the region, including in Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Palestine, and Iraq, have temporarily closed or switched to remote learning due to the escalating conflict [6].

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Iran school attack children casualties