On 28 February 2026, a girls elementary school in Minab was struck by a missile or series of strikes during the opening day of the 2026 Iran war, resulting in the deaths of scores of schoolchildren and staff. The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school was hit while classes were in session, with Iranian authorities reporting that over 160 children were killed and dozens more injured.
Conflicting Reports on Responsibility
Iranian officials, including the foreign ministry, have accused United States and Israel of carrying out the strike. Some evidence including preliminary U.S. military investigations and reporting by major outlets suggests U.S. weapons were likely involved, though the final official conclusion has not been released and both Washington and Jerusalem have not formally accepted responsibility.
International Response and Condemnation
The attack on the school has drawn widespread condemnation. United Nations experts and organizations like UNICEF have called for independent investigations, emphasizing that striking a school during class hours could amount to a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Funeral processions and public mourning have taken place in Iran, with families and communities grieving the loss of children aged mostly between seven and twelve.
Unverified Reports of an Animated Film
Social media posts and forums have recently claimed that a Pakistani animation team produced a short animated film depicting the Minab school attack and the girl victims. These posts suggest the project aims to recount the tragedy and honor the memory of the victims. However, there is currently no credible verification from major news outlets or independent media confirming this animated film’s production or release.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Scrutiny
U.S. military investigators and other authorities continue to investigate the incident. Multiple global leaders and lawmakers have called for transparent inquiry into how the strike occurred and who bears responsibility, as pressure mounts for accountability in light of civilian casualties. The incident remains one of the deadliest single events in the ongoing conflict
