Reports detail heavy civilian casualties while calls grow for transparency over the Minab bombing
More than four months after a missile strike destroyed a school in the Iranian city of Minab during the US-Israeli conflict, questions continue to surround one of the war’s deadliest incidents. Independent researchers, rights groups and media investigations say the attack killed a large number of civilians, including many children, while the final findings of a US military investigation have yet to be released.
According to multiple reports, the Shajareh Tayyebeh school was struck on February 28 after classes had already begun. Teachers reportedly decided to dismiss students early as news of wider military strikes spread across Iran. However, before many children could leave, explosions hit the school compound, causing extensive destruction.
Researchers using satellite imagery, eyewitness accounts and open-source evidence said several buildings were damaged during the attack. Rescue teams recovered children’s belongings, school materials and victims from the rubble as families searched desperately for missing relatives.
Independent investigations examine casualties
Human rights organizations and conflict monitors have spent months documenting the incident. Airwars estimated that between 157 and 168 people were killed, including at least 123 children and dozens of adults, among them teachers and parents. The group also reported more than 95 injuries.
Investigators said restrictions on media access, internet disruptions and limited official information complicated efforts to independently verify the full casualty list.
Pentagon review remains under scrutiny
US officials confirmed that the Pentagon launched an investigation after evidence indicated the school had been struck. Reports suggest intelligence assessments may not have accurately identified the building as an active educational facility before the attack.
President Donald Trump recently said he had not reviewed the investigation’s findings, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the report would be released at an appropriate time.
Several members of the US Congress have called for greater transparency, arguing that the investigation’s conclusions should be made public. Meanwhile, victims’ families continue seeking accountability as international organizations urge a full and independent assessment of the incident.
