Iran says US-Israeli strikes killed 278 students, damaged 942 schools

Iran’s Education Ministry has released detailed figures on the toll of US-Israeli airstrikes on the country’s education system, reporting that 278 primary and secondary school students and 67 teachers were killed between 28 February and 8 April. Another 196 students and 26 teachers were wounded. The strikes, part of the joint US-Israeli offensive that began on 28 February, have drawn widespread international condemnation.

Civilian Infrastructure Devastated

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told Iranian media that 942 schools were damaged in the attacks, 18 of which were completely destroyed. She also reported that a total of 125,640 civilian units had been damaged, including 100,000 homes, 20,500 commercial properties and 339 health centres. The war has killed more than 3,300 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Failed Talks and Continued Tensions

The attacks took place before a fragile two‑week ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan with support from Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Follow‑up US‑Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours without an agreement. The United States has since imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.