Israel and US deny involvement in Minab girls school strike

US and Israeli Strikes on Iranian School Raise Questions Over Intelligence and Targeting

On February 28, 2026, a missile strike hit the “Shajareh Tayyebeh” school in Minab, Iran, killing 165 people, mostly girls aged between 7 and 12. The attack also injured at least 95 others.

The incident occurred during the morning hours when students were attending classes. Satellite imagery compiled over more than a decade, video clips, published news reports, and statements from official Iranian sources have been analyzed by Al Jazeera’s digital investigations unit to understand the events surrounding the strike.

According to the investigation, the school had been clearly separate from an adjacent military site for at least 10 years. The strike pattern raises questions about the accuracy of intelligence information used in the bombing.

Minab is a city located in Hormozgan province, southeastern Iran, which holds significant military importance due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf waters. The area is home to the “Sayyid al-Shuhada” military complex, which includes key headquarters such as that of the “Asif Brigade”.

An analysis of open sources and official Iranian records reveals that the Shajareh Tayyebeh school is part of a network of schools affiliated with the IRGC Navy. These schools are classified as nonprofit institutions providing educational services to the sons and daughters of IRGC Navy members.

The incident has sparked questions about the motives behind targeting Minab, which may be linked to its geostrategic context. The city’s location makes it a key hub for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces.

Source: Al Jazeera