A school in Khomein, a city in central Iran, was struck by a missile on 10 March 2026, according to reports from Iranian state media. The attack, which Tehran has attributed to a United States missile strike, damaged the Hafez Khomeini School and several surrounding residential buildings, leaving the local community in shock.
Iranian outlets reported that the blast not only shattered parts of the school structure but also obliterated homes in the adjacent neighbourhood, causing widespread destruction in what had been a quiet educational precinct. At this stage, independent confirmation of the exact cause and responsible party remains unclear.
This incident comes against the backdrop of intense and escalating hostilities between Iran and a United States–Israeli coalition of forces. Only days earlier, on 28 February 2026, a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, was hit by a missile during broad military operations in the region. Iranian authorities reported that at least 170 pupils and staff were killed in that earlier strike, provoking a wave of international concern and calls for impartial investigation.
Context of Attacks on Schools
Analysts and international observers have noted that attacks on educational institutions are especially troubling, given their clear status as civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law. The Minab school, Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, was destroyed during the first major wave of attacks in this phase of the conflict. Satellite imagery and various expert assessments have suggested that it may have been affected by precision airstrikes linked to US military operations, a claim that remains under official investigation.
Confirmed and Reported Damage
Below is a summary of reported school-related attacks in Iran since the conflict intensified in late February 2026:
| Location | Date | Reported Incident | Reported Casualties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minab (girls’ school) | 28 Feb 2026 | Missile strike – school destroyed; adjacent military compound hit | ~170+ deaths (mostly children) |
| Khomein (Hafez Khomeini School) | 10 Mar 2026 | Missile strike damaged school and homes | Casualties unconfirmed (reported destruction) |
International Response and Ongoing Tension
The United Nations and several human rights organisations have condemned attacks on schools, urging all parties to safeguard civilians and conduct transparent investigations into these incidents. Pressure for accountability has intensified, especially following the Minab tragedy, with demands for independent inquiries into what exactly transpired.
As diplomatic tensions rise and military actions continue, the fate of civilians and particularly children caught between warring factions remains a central concern for the international community.
Source: Middle East Eye