Thousands of mourners gathered in Minab, Iran, as funeral ceremonies were held for students and school staff killed in a recent strike on a local school, an incident that has intensified regional tensions and drawn international concern. The attack, which reportedly struck during school hours, left dozens dead, including young students and educators, according to Iranian authorities. Local officials described the event as one of the most devastating civilian losses in the area in recent years.
State media footage showed large crowds lining the streets as coffins draped in national flags were carried through the city. Families, classmates and teachers gathered in public squares and cemeteries to pay their respects, many holding photographs of the victims. Religious prayers were recited during the ceremonies, and community leaders addressed mourners, calling for unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the strike, describing it as an attack on innocent civilians and a violation of international law. Government officials said an investigation was under way and accused foreign actors of responsibility, though those accused have either denied involvement or said they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. Conflicting claims have made independent verification of responsibility difficult.
The United Nations called for an impartial investigation to determine the facts and urged all parties to avoid further harm to civilians, particularly children. Human rights groups and humanitarian agencies also expressed alarm at the impact of the strike on students and educational facilities, emphasizing the need to protect schools during times of conflict.
The funerals in Minab come amid broader regional instability, with rising tensions contributing to fears of further escalation. For many families in the city, however, the focus remains on mourning loved ones lost in the strike and seeking answers about how the tragedy unfolded.
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