Memorial and Aftermath of School Strike in Minab

The former school in Minab, Iran, now serves as a somber memorial. Its once welcoming entrance, decorated with Iran’s map, large pencils, and portraits of scientific and literary legends, has transformed. Visitors now pass through a path lined with photographs of schoolchildren. These images capture moments of their lives – at birthdays and other events. Yet they also depict their faces on mourning banners, marking their deaths in an attack.

This school was struck at the start of a conflict initiated by the United States and Israel across Iran on February 28. The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab was hit in those early hours. According to Iranian officials, more than 100 students died.

Months later, the Trump administration has not claimed responsibility for the strike nor released Pentagon findings. However, an Associated Press investigation suggests a U.S. missile struck the school.

Attention returned to Minab with recent U.S. strikes along Iran’s southern coast, impacting a wedding and other areas. Some of the injured were hospitalized in Minab. The Associated Press inspected the severely damaged two-story school building. Classrooms remain unaltered since the attack, with desks partially buried and ceilings collapsed. There are proposals to maintain the site as a historical record.

Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani announced plans to convert the building into a war museum and memorial. A portion of Minab’s cemetery now honors the victims. Families and visitors walk quietly among the graves.

Unfortunately, three bodies remain missing. The grave-marked artificial grass is a reminder of the tragedy.

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