Iran School Strike in Minab Kills 40 Including Children, Iran Fires Missiles at Bahrain UAE and Qatar

A deadly strike on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran has intensified an already explosive regional crisis, with multiple Gulf nations now on high alert following retaliatory missile launches.

School in Minab Hit, Dozens Feared Dead

According to Iran’s state-run IRNA, at least 40 people — including students — were killed when a strike hit an elementary school in Minab. The city lies in Hormozgan province, a strategic southern region near the Strait of Hormuz.

Rescue workers were seen combing through debris as emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet released a final casualty count, and independent verification remains difficult amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian authorities blamed Israel for the attack, though Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed targeting a school.

US-Israel Strikes Ignite Wider Confrontation

The school strike came amid a broader military escalation after the United States and Israel launched coordinated operations against Iranian-linked targets. Former US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington was engaged in what he described as a “major combat operation,” saying the action aimed to neutralize threats tied to Iran.

Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities following the strikes, further escalating tensions.

Iran Fires Missiles Across the Gulf

In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles not only toward Israel but also toward Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar, according to regional media reports. Air raid sirens sounded in parts of Tel Aviv, where blasts were reported as defense systems intercepted incoming missiles.

Residents in Dubai reported hearing a loud explosion, according to Reuters, heightening fears that the confrontation could spill beyond Israel and Iran.

Saudi Arabia Issues Strong Warning

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the missile attacks targeting Gulf states, warning of “dire consequences” if violations of sovereignty continue. Riyadh emphasized that continued escalation threatens regional stability and breaches international law.

Diplomatic sources suggest that several Gulf nations are urgently consulting with global allies to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

Region on the Brink

With civilian casualties reported in Iran and missile exchanges stretching across multiple countries, the crisis has entered one of its most dangerous phases in years. Military analysts warn that further retaliation from either side could pull additional regional actors into open conflict.