Satellite imagery analysis indicates an elementary school in Minab, Iran, was struck during a precision airstrike on a neighboring military complex. The strike, which killed over 160 people, mostly young girls, appears to have hit more buildings than initially reported. Independent experts, examining high-resolution imagery and social media footage, suggest the school may have been targeted due to outdated targeting information used by American military planners.
The incident occurred on February 28, 2026, during the initial phase of coordinated U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran. The Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school was hit during class change periods, exacerbating the casualty count. The strike's scope extended beyond the school, also impacting an adjacent health clinic and other nearby structures.
Blame and Retaliation
Iranian officials have strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a "blatant crime" and "aggression." President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have vowed that "crimes against the Iranian people will not go unanswered," and have called for international action, including from the UN Security Council. Iran's ambassador to the UN formally raised the issue with the UN human rights chief. The head of Iran's Red Crescent described the event as "unique and bitter," drawing a grim comparison to casualties in Gaza.
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Official Responses
"The American and Zionist aggression against Minab Elementary School will never be erased from the historical memory of our nation." - President Masoud Pezeshkian
Neither the United States nor Israel has claimed responsibility for the strike. A U.S. spokesperson stated the United States would not intentionally target a school. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson indicated they were not aware of any IDF operations in the region and did not take responsibility for the attack.
Context and Background
The strike on the Minab school is reportedly the deadliest known instance of civilian casualties since the broader conflict between the U.S. and Israel and Iran began. Saturday is a regular school day in Iran, contributing to the high number of victims. Initial reports from Iranian state media placed the death toll at 165, with some estimates ranging up to 180.
Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at Middlebury College specializing in satellite imagery, has confirmed the analysis, noting the imagery is consistent with a precision airstrike. His assessment suggests the possibility that U.S. military planners had not updated their target databases. Based on Minab's location, Lewis indicated the U.S. was considered more likely than Israel to be responsible for the strike.
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