Iran-Israel-US conflict: At least 51 students killed in missile strike on Girls’ School in Iran's Minab

The spiralling US-Iran-Israel confrontation entered a darker phase after state media reported that the death toll from an Israeli strike on a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, has risen to 51, as confirmed in a report by state-run news agency IRNa.The tragedy unfolded amid widening hostilities following US strikes on Iran and coordinated Israeli operations across the country.

The strike on the school in Hormozgan province marks one of the deadliest single incidents involving civilians since the latest escalation in the war with Iran began.

US-Israel-Iran conflict: School in Minab Hit as Israel Attacks Iran

According to Iranian state media, the school in Minab was struck during a wave of air raids carried out as Israel attacks Iran in coordination with Washington. Earlier, a provincial governor had placed the toll at 24. The updated figure now stands at 51, with officials warning that the number could rise further.

Iran’s foreign ministry said the Israel-Iran offensive targeted both defence infrastructure and civilian sites. It described the Minab strike as evidence of what it called “indiscriminate aggression.”

The attack came as part of a broader military campaign after US attacks Iran today in what President Donald Trump termed “major combat operations.” Washington said its actions were aimed at neutralising imminent threats, while Israel described its operations as pre-emptive measures against Tehran.

US-Israel-Iran conflict: Panic in Tehran as US Bombs Iran

In Tehran, residents described scenes of chaos as explosions rocked the capital. Smoke was seen rising from districts near sensitive government installations.

Residents quoted in a report by WUFT, said children fled classrooms and families rushed home as fighter jets roared overhead. Communications were disrupted in parts of the city.

“They have hit many targets around me and we hear missiles exploding,” said one resident from western Tehran as quoted by WUFT. “People were panicking and trying to get home. Children were running out of school.”

The air raids coincided with the first day of the Iranian work week, catching many at offices and educational institutions unprepared.

US President Donald Trump, announcing that the US Iran military campaign had begun, urged Iranians to “rise up” in a video address, suggesting the strikes could pave the way for political change.

Iran Responds with Regional Missile Strikes

Following the strikes on Tehran and Minab, Iran declared that all US and Israeli interests in the region would be considered legitimate targets.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s military general staff, said the armed forces would “teach America and Israel a big lesson.”

Iran subsequently launched missile strikes toward Israel and at US bases across the Gulf.

In Bahrain, authorities confirmed that an Iranian missile struck near the US naval installation housing the Fifth Fleet. The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted Iranian missiles, though shrapnel from one intercepted projectile reportedly killed a foreign national in Abu Dhabi.

Explosions were also heard over Doha in Qatar, where air defence systems were activated. In Jordan, military officials said two ballistic missiles were intercepted.

The widening Iran attack has drawn multiple regional capitals, including Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Doha, into the conflict, heightening fears of a broader war with Iran.

US-Israel-Iran conflict: Diplomatic Efforts in Jeopardy

The escalation comes as Tehran and Washington had been engaged in indirect talks aimed at averting full-scale confrontation. Oman’s foreign minister had recently travelled to Washington after mediating discussions between the US and Iran in Geneva.

Iran’s foreign ministry said it had been in the middle of negotiations to prevent war when the joint US-Israel strikes occurred. It has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Regional analysts say the Minab school strike could become a flashpoint in international diplomacy, particularly if civilian casualties continue to mount.

US-Israel-Iran conflict: Uncertain Future Inside Iran

Within Iran, public sentiment appears divided. Some residents expressed fear and anger, while others, including regime critics, suggested they saw the escalation as a potential turning point.

However, the extent of domestic support for Iran’s leadership remains unclear. Previous crackdowns on protests resulted in thousands of casualties, and opposition groups remain fragmented.

FAQs

What happened in Minab, Iran?

An Israeli strike hit a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran. State media reports that the death toll has risen to 40.

Why did the US and Israel launch strikes on Iran?

US President Donald Trump said the operations aimed to eliminate imminent threats from Iran. Israel described the action as pre-emptive against Tehran.