Over 148 Killed in Reported Strike on School in Southern Iran

At least 148 people, including children, have been killed after a reported missile strike hit a school in southern Iran, according to Iranian officials.

The girls’ school was located in Minab, a town in Hormozgan province, near a base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has previously been targeted in past confrontations. Iranian authorities said the school was struck by three missiles and blamed the United States and Israel for the attack.

The US military’s United States Central Command (Centcom) said it was looking into the reports and stressed that the protection of civilians remains a priority. Israel’s military, however, stated it was “not aware” of any operations carried out by its forces in the area at the time of the incident.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society reported that at least 201 people have been killed in air strikes across the country since Saturday, with 747 others injured. Emergency response teams were mobilised to the affected school following the explosion.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the strike as a “barbaric act” and condemned it as another chapter in what he called repeated acts of aggression against the country.

The incident occurred during Iran’s six-day working week, which runs from Saturday to Thursday, making it likely that the school was occupied when it was struck. The facility is reported to be approximately 600 metres from the IRGC base in Minab.

Video clips verified by international media outlets show smoke rising from a damaged building and crowds gathering as people scream in panic. However, independent verification of the death toll remains difficult, as international journalists often face restrictions when reporting from Iran.

The tragedy has sparked strong reactions on Iranian social media, with many expressing outrage over the deaths of children. While some blamed foreign forces, others directed criticism at the Iranian government, arguing that civilians were not adequately protected amid escalating tensions.

The strike comes amid a broader wave of air attacks across multiple Iranian cities, as hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensify. Reports indicate that the conflict has escalated significantly over the past several days, further destabilising the region.

Investigations into the incident and the full extent of casualties are ongoing.