A deadly attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28 is being described as the deadliest civilian casualty incident so far in the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with 175 students reportedly killed.
No party has officially claimed responsibility for the strike. However, a report by the American newspaper The New York Times suggests that satellite imagery, social media posts, and verified videos indicate the school building was directly targeted.
The attack occurred while a nearby naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was also under attack.
According to the report, statements from US officials acknowledging strikes on naval targets near the Strait of Hormuz have raised the possibility that the school strike may have been linked to the broader military operation.
Satellite imagery analysis cited by the newspaper shows that the building was once part of the IRGC naval base in 2013, with roads connecting it to other sections of the facility. However, the structure was reportedly separated from the base in 2016.
Further satellite evidence shows the presence of a playground and other recreational facilities, indicating that the building was functioning as an educational institution at the time of the strike.
The report noted that if it is confirmed the school was hit by US munitions, serious questions would arise about whether the strike occurred by mistake or was based on outdated intelligence.