Iran School Strike Kills Over 160, Mostly Children

Iran Reports Over 160 Dead in Elementary School Airstrike

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian state media has released harrowing footage depicting the aftermath of an airstrike that struck an elementary school on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of over 160 people, predominantly children. The incident, which occurred in the midst of a three-day-old conflict, has drawn international attention and condemnation, with Iran’s foreign minister directly accusing the United States and Israel of responsibility.

Devastation at Qasir Tayyeb Elementary

New video released by Iranian state media shows the grim reality on the ground, with images of tiny graves being dug for some of the youngest victims. One man, showing a notebook filled with children’s drawings stained with blood, described the scene to reporters: “This book is stained with the blood.” School bags were visible strewn across the ground amidst the ruins of a destroyed classroom. The school, identified as Qasir Tayyeb, was home to 264 students, both boys and girls, according to Iran’s Education Ministry.

A Mother’s Grief

NBC News spoke with a mother who recounted the tragic loss of her son, Soheil, who was killed in the attack just two days before his eighth birthday. “By the time we arrived,” she said, her voice trembling, “the entire school had collapsed. On top of the children.” Her account paints a devastating picture of the immediate chaos and destruction following the strike.

Contested Military Presence

The Qasir Tayyeb elementary school is reportedly located next to a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base. Satellite imagery from 2011 shows the base within the same compound. However, the mother interviewed by NBC News, along with a local official, stated that the base has not been active for the past 15 years. Further evidence, including images from December 2025, appears to show a schoolyard filled with people, suggesting continued civilian activity and a lack of military presence at the adjacent site.

International Law and Accusations

Schools are designated as protected spaces under international humanitarian law. As of now, no entity has claimed responsibility for the airstrike. In response to inquiries from NBC News, the Israeli military stated they were unaware of any operations in the specified area. A spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command acknowledged awareness of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military activities but did not provide further details regarding the school incident.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Points Fingers

Iran’s Foreign Minister has directly implicated the United States and Israel in the deadly strike. The accusations come amid escalating regional tensions and highlight the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict. The lack of immediate claims of responsibility and the conflicting information regarding the former military base add layers of complexity to the investigation and the attribution of blame.

Broader Implications and What’s Next

The targeting of a civilian educational facility, especially one where the majority of casualties are children, raises grave concerns about adherence to international laws of war and the protection of civilians. The incident is likely to intensify international scrutiny of the conduct of hostilities in the region and could have significant diplomatic repercussions. As the conflict continues, the world will be watching for further investigations into the attack, any potential admissions of responsibility, and the broader impact on regional stability.

Source: Iran reports 168 dead in strike on elementary school (YouTube)