175 Schoolgirls in Minab Become Martyrs; Iranian Embassy Condemns and Calls US Cowardly
Iran’s Embassy in Indonesia has issued a strong condemnation of the attack that killed hundreds of schoolchildren in the city of Minab, Hormozgan Province. In a statement, the Iranian government reported that at least 175 schoolgirls were killed and more than 95 other children were wounded after their primary school became the target of an attack linked to the United States and Israel.
The attack reportedly struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School whilst pupils were attending classes.
“We deeply condemn the loss of 175 innocent schoolgirls and dozens of others wounded by the aggressive attack of the United States and the Zionist regime on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement from Iran’s Embassy read.
According to Iran, the victims were children who were at school to study and prepare for their futures. However, they became victims of a missile strike deemed to violate humanitarian values and principles of international law.
The Iranian government stated that attacks on educational facilities and civilian populations constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. It argued such actions breach the principle of civilian protection in armed conflict, including provisions outlined in the Geneva Conventions.
“Targeting a school and killing defenceless children represents a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
Iran also considered the attack to violate the principle of distinction between military and civilian targets, which underpins the laws of war.
According to the Iranian government, the attack occurred whilst the country was pursuing diplomatic channels to de-escalate regional conflict. It characterised military action against civilian areas as a violation of national sovereignty and a hindrance to peaceful conflict resolution efforts.
In the statement, Iran affirmed that United States officials have acknowledged involvement in the attack. This acknowledgement, according to Tehran, demonstrates direct responsibility of the perpetrators and underscores the urgency of international investigation.
Iran’s Embassy also recalled several previous incidents causing civilian casualties, including the shooting down of an Iranian passenger aircraft in 1988 by a United States warship, which killed 290 people.
Iran called upon the international community, Islamic organisations, human rights bodies, and child protection organisations to take a firm stance.
“We urge the conscience of the world not to remain silent. This action must be condemned and those responsible must be held accountable,” the statement read.
In tribute to the victims, Iran’s Embassy in Indonesia held a joint prayer ceremony and memorial on Saturday, 14 March. The event took place at the residence of the Iranian ambassador and was attended by several Indonesian children.
According to the embassy, the presence of Indonesian children at the event symbolised human solidarity with the victims. “The presence of children from various nations in remembering this tragedy is the voice of the world’s conscience that the suffering of children everywhere is the suffering of all humanity,” the statement said.
Iran hopes the tragedy will awaken global awareness to strengthen efforts for peace and child protection amidst armed conflict.
“May the memory of these innocent children serve as a reminder to the world that no more schools become targets of war and no more children become victims of violence,” Iran’s Embassy concluded.