Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Mar 1: At least 108 people were killed in an explosion at a school in southern Iran, a local prosecutor said, as the United States and Israel carried out large-scale air strikes across the country.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described the incident as a “barbaric act” and “another black page in the record of countless crimes committed by the aggressors”. There has been no confirmation from the US or Israel that the school — located near a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — was targeted.
The Iranian Red Crescent said at least 201 people had been killed nationwide in the air strikes, with 747 others injured. Red Cross and Red Crescent officials in Geneva confirmed that response teams were mobilised to the school following the explosion.
An official stated that the school in Minab town of Hormozgan province was hit by three missile strikes. The campus is situated about 600 metres from an IRGC base that has reportedly been among the targets of the ongoing attacks.
Videos verified by the BBC showed smoke billowing from a damaged building as panicked crowds gathered nearby. However, the broadcaster said it had not independently verified the death toll, noting that international media organisations often face restrictions in Iran that limit on-ground reporting.
The incident has triggered strong reactions on Iranian social media. While many users expressed outrage at the reported civilian casualties, some questioned the official narrative, citing deep mistrust of the authorities. One user blamed the Islamic Republic for failing to ensure public safety, alleging there were no warnings to keep children home amid escalating hostilities.
The tragedy unfolded as the US and Israel launched repeated waves of air strikes on targets across several Iranian cities. US President Donald Trump had earlier claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders were killed in initial strikes. Iranian state media later confirmed Khamenei’s death.
The situation remains volatile, with further strikes expected and fears mounting over rising civilian casualties.