Iran has confirmed the first civilian deaths from joint US-Israeli airstrikes launched early Saturday, February 28, 2026, escalating tensions into open conflict.
The Far news agency reported that an Israeli-US strike hit Shajare Tayyebeh Elementary School—a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, southern Iran.
Initial reports cited 5 student deaths, but the toll rose sharply: provincial officials and state media later confirmed at least 24 girls were killed, with some sources reporting up to 40 fatalities and 45 wounded.
The school is near an IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) base, raising questions about civilian-military proximity.
These are the first verified civilian fatalities in Iran from the operation, codenamed “Roaring Lion” by Israel.
Strikes targeted military sites, missile facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and areas near the Supreme Leader.
US President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations,” stating the goal was to eliminate Iran’s missile and nuclear threats and give Iranians a chance to “topple their rulers.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the action as necessary to remove an “existential threat.”
In swift retaliation, Iran’s IRGC launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases across the Gulf, including sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
Air defenses intercepted many, but one civilian died in Abu Dhabi from falling debris.
Sirens sounded in Israel, with explosions reported in northern areas. No US casualties have been confirmed so far.
The strikes follow failed indirect talks in Oman on February 27 and months of Iranian domestic unrest, with protests over economic woes met by a harsh crackdown.
President Donald Trump has deployed major naval forces to the region and framed the operation as pre-emptive regime-pressure.
The conflict risks wider regional involvement, potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and sharp rises in global oil prices. International calls for de-escalation are growing amid fears of a prolonged war. amid fears of a prolonged war. amid fears of a prolonged war. amid fears of a prolonged war. amid fears of a prolonged war. amid fears of a prolonged war.
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