Iran rejects US explanation of Minab school strike as 'baseless fabrication'

Iran on Wednesday rejected US military claims about a reported missile strike on an elementary school in the southern city of Minab, calling Washington's explanation "a baseless fabrication." Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, accused US Central Command (CENTCOM) of falsely portraying the targeted Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School as part of a missile-launch facility.

Iran's statement

"The claim by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) that the targeted Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab was located within a 'missile launch facility' is a baseless fabrication and an appalling lie," Baqaei said on X. He characterized the strike as a "grave violation of international humanitarian law" and a "clear war crime," insisting that US military commanders and political leaders responsible must be held accountable.

CENTCOM's position

Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, told a House committee hearing that the school is located near an active IRGC cruise missile base, making the incident "more complex than the average strike." He pledged transparency once the investigation concludes.

Casualties

According to Iranian officials, the Feb. 28 strike by the US on the elementary school killed more than 170 people, mainly children. "This shameless distortion is a clear attempt to obscure the severe reality of the 28 February missile attacks, which resulted in the tragic slaughtering of over 170 school children and their teachers," Baqaei said.

Conflict context

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks have failed to produce a lasting agreement.