Iran’s government claims that at least 85 people were killed in an airstrike on an elementary school in southern Iran during ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations.
According to Iranian state-linked outlets Tasnim and Fars, the majority of the dead were schoolgirls between the ages of seven and 12.
The strike reportedly hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in the city of Minab, located in Hormozgan province, on Saturday morning.
The reported attack occurred as U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes across multiple Iranian cities as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Iranian state television broadcast footage showing heavy damage to the school building, with smoke rising from the site and civilians digging through rubble.
A teacher interviewed by London-based outlet Middle East Eye said she had stepped outside shortly before the blast and returned to find bodies inside classrooms.
“I felt like I had gone mute. I couldn’t speak,” she said. “You could hear the sound of children crying and screaming.”
Iranian officials said approximately 170 girls were present at the school at the time of the strike. Saturday marks the first working day of the week in Iran.
The claims have not been independently verified.
Sources inside Iran told the Daily Mail that wartime reporting from the regime should be viewed cautiously, citing the potential for propaganda amid active conflict.
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command said the military was aware of the reports.
“We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them,” the spokesperson said. “The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike in a social media post, stating that the building was a primary school “bombed in broad daylight” while filled with students, per the Daily Mail.
U.S. forces launched Tomahawk missiles and deployed Air Force and Navy aircraft in coordination with Israel during Saturday’s strikes. The operation targeted Iranian leadership, missile infrastructure, naval assets and nuclear facilities.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles at U.S. military bases across the Middle East, including installations in Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. Regional governments reported missile interceptions and explosions.
President Donald Trump acknowledged that U.S. forces could face casualties during the operation, stating that “we may have casualties” in remarks following the initial strikes.
The reports of civilian deaths come as political debate intensifies in the United States.
Commentator Tucker Carlson criticized the military action, calling it “disgusting and evil.” Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) also expressed opposition, questioning U.S. involvement in regime change efforts.
