TEHRAN: Parents of children killed in a deadly airstrike in the southern Iranian city of Minab, Hormozgan province, on February 28, 2026, have sent an emotional letter to prominent religious leader Pope Leo XIV, appealing for peace and justice.
The attack, described as one of the most devastating incidents in the region, has left the community in deep mourning.In the letter, the grieving parents of 168 innocent children expressed their sorrow, helplessness, and a desperate call for peace in words that have been described as deeply moving and heart-wrenching.
They urged the global community to take urgent steps to prevent further bloodshed.According to reports, the incident allegedly took place during a military operation referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” carried out by US and Israeli forces. The operation reportedly involved cruise missile strikes targeting Minab city.
Local sources claim that a primary school was destroyed in the attack while dozens of children and teachers were inside the building. Unconfirmed local accounts state that the casualties include 110 children, 26 teachers, and 4 parents who reportedly died while attempting to rescue their children during the strike.
The scale of the loss has reportedly left the local population in shock and mourning.The letter from the bereaved parents begins with the Islamic phrase “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim,” symbolizing that the appeal transcends religious boundaries and is made in the name of humanity.
In their message, the parents described their unbearable grief, stating that instead of feeling the warmth of their children’s presence, they are now forced to hold their burned school bags and blood-stained notebooks.The parents further wrote that while their children will never return, their plea is for the world to ensure that no other children suffer the same fate.
They urged Pope Leo XIV to raise his voice more strongly and play an influential role in advocating for a global ceasefire, so that “all paths of dialogue” may remain open and the production and use of weapons can be curtailed. The letter comes at a time when, according to the report, there has been limited strong international reaction from former US President Donald Trump and other world leaders regarding the incident, raising concerns among human rights observers.
Pope Leo XIV had earlier emphasized the need for ceasefire and diplomacy in his statements, particularly condemning attacks on schools and civilian infrastructure, and calling for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.