Minab school strike leaves families mourning amidst ruins

Six months after a missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebah Elementary School in Minab, the site remains in ruins. The attack occurred during the initial hours of military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, resulting in one of the deadliest instances of civilian casualties in the conflict.

Reports on the death toll vary. Independent sources estimate at least 155 fatalities, the majority of whom were children. Amnesty International has recorded 156 deaths, including 120 children, while official Iranian figures have risen to as many as 168.

Survivors and families continue to mourn amidst the wreckage. One mother, Masoumeh Zakeri, described the loss of her nine-year-old daughter, Motahareh, who could only be identified by her earrings and bracelet. Iran claims the school was targeted by two American Tomahawk missiles, though neither the United States nor Israel has officially claimed responsibility for the strike. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have pointed toward the United States as the responsible party.