Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that U.S. forces “would not deliberately target a school” following reports from Iranian state media stating that over 160 individuals were killed in a strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. This incident marks a significant escalation as it was reported to have occurred on the first day of coordinated military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, notably from UNESCO, the U.N. culture and education agency, and education activist Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. In response to questions regarding the incident, Rubio stated that the Department of War would investigate the matter if it was indeed a U.S.-led strike, reaffirming that the United States does not intend to target civilian infrastructures such as schools.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have remained silent on the specific details surrounding the incident but confirmed that they are examining reports of civilian casualties stemming from ongoing military operations. U.N. under-secretary-general for peacebuilding, Rosemary DiCarlo, acknowledged the tragic reports emerging from Iran, reiterating the sentiment that it would be a devastating outcome if these events had occurred.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, mentioned that he had encountered various accounts regarding the incident, suggesting that some reports indicated the possibility of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps being involved in the attack against the school.
As the air campaign by the U.S. and Israel expands, the situation remains fluid. The military actions, which began with strikes on Tehran, have prompted Iranian responses, further complicating the regional dynamics. Amidst the turmoil, the tragic loss of life, particularly among innocent children, highlights the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
These developments underscore the ongoing tensions and the grave humanitarian implications in the conflict landscape, as both nations navigate a volatile environment following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump has indicated that these military operations may persist for several weeks, raising concerns about further civilian harm and international ramifications.