Iran: The death toll from an alleged Israeli strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran has risen to 148, with nearly 100 others reported injured, according to media reports.
Al Jazeera, citing Iranian officials, reported that the attack targeted the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab city during morning classes, when approximately 170 students were present.
However, neither the United States nor Israel has confirmed carrying out such a strike. The Israeli military said it was “not aware” of any US or Israeli attack on a school in Iran.
Israeli military spokesperson Lt-Col Nadav Shoshani stated that the armed forces were operating with precision and had no knowledge of a strike on the reported location.
Meanwhile, The New York Times quoted a spokesperson for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) as saying that reports concerning civilian harm were being reviewed.
“We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them,” the spokesperson said, adding that protection of civilians remains a priority.
Videos and photographs circulating online, which were verified and geolocated by media outlets, appeared to show a partially collapsed and smoking building, with debris scattered across the area.
Footage depicted rescue efforts underway, with individuals searching through rubble. Schoolbags and textbooks were reportedly visible among the debris.
Norway-based rights group Hengaw said the school was holding its morning session at the time of the incident.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai condemned the reported attack, saying the victims were girls who had gone to school with hopes and dreams for their future.
“Justice and accountability must follow. All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools,” she said in a statement.
The reported incident has intensified international concern over civilian casualties amid escalating hostilities in the region.