The number of fatalities from a strike on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran has climbed to 40, according to Iranian media reports.
The attack occurred in Minab, Hormozgan Province, where initial accounts indicated that five pupils lost their lives. Subsequent updates, however, show a significantly higher death toll. Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Fars News Agency, reported that the figure has risen to 40.
Authorities have yet to clarify whether the United States or Israel carried out the strike. The incident formed part of a broader wave of attacks launched early Saturday against targets in Iran, days after nuclear discussions between Washington and Tehran stalled.
Iran responded with missile launches targeting Israel and United States military positions across the Middle East. In northern Israel, a nine-storey residential building sustained damage. Reports indicate that one man suffered minor injuries after debris struck the structure. Al Jazeera quoted Israel’s Channel 12 as stating that air defence systems intercepted the missiles, but falling shrapnel caused the damage and injury.
Air raid sirens continued to sound across several Israeli cities, with authorities directing residents to remain in shelters. Officials also suspended operations at schools, airports and other public facilities.
Iran implemented similar measures, closing its airspace and shutting schools and public buildings. The government further advised residents of Tehran to relocate temporarily as a precaution.
“…you should, as far as possible and while maintaining calm, travel to other places and cities if you are able,” Al Jazeera quotes Iran’s National Security Council as saying in a statement.
The current escalation began earlier on Saturday when the United States and Israel conducted coordinated strikes inside Iran. Tehran’s counter-attacks have extended beyond Israel, affecting American bases in the region. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities confirmed one fatality resulting from the Iranian missile barrage.
Several Middle Eastern governments have issued statements condemning the retaliatory attacks as tensions continue to intensify across the region.