Iran FM Araghchi Warns US Bases Will Be Targeted After Minab School Strike Kills 160, Including Children

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the United States over a deadly strike in southern Iran that reportedly killed more than 160 people, many of them children.

In a sharp statement on Saturday, Araghchi warned that Iran’s retaliation would be aimed directly at American military bases and institutions in the region.

The remarks come amid growing international outrage after a strike hit a girls’ primary school in the city of Minab, leaving hundreds of civilians dead or injured.

Iran Claims Attacks Were Launched From Arab Territories

Posting on the social media platform X, Araghchi accused the United States of launching attacks from the territories of Arab nations in the region.

He said Iran has historically maintained friendly relations with neighbouring Arab countries and claimed that American forces used their land to carry out attacks against Iranian civilians.

“Iran and the Arab nations have lived together for centuries in friendship and respect. American aggressors are launching attacks from the lands of our Arab friends to target children and innocent civilians,” Araghchi said.

He added that Iran’s response would inevitably focus on US bases and strategic facilities in the region.

Strike on School Raises Global Outrage

The controversy intensified after reports suggested that a deadly strike destroyed the Shajare Tayyiba Elementary School in Minab on February 28.

According to investigations cited by international media, the attack happened around the same time as a strike on a nearby naval base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Analysts believe the school may have been mistakenly hit during the operation.

Experts studying satellite imagery, geolocated videos and weapon fragments indicated that the strike likely occurred during a military operation targeting the nearby base.

US Investigation Underway

American authorities have not officially confirmed responsibility for the strike but acknowledged that US forces carried out operations against military targets in southern Iran.

Officials from United States Central Command said they are aware of reports of civilian casualties and are reviewing the incident.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Military analysts say the tragedy may have been caused by a targeting error, where outdated intelligence or incorrect coordinates resulted in the wrong location being struck.

Putin and Iranian President Hold Talks

Amid the escalating crisis, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

Meanwhile, US Congressman Joe Wilson accused Russia of providing intelligence support to Iran during the conflict, further intensifying geopolitical tensions.

Conflict Escalates After Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

The latest tensions follow a major escalation in West Asia after a joint military operation by the United States and Israel on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials.

Following the strike, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

With investigations still ongoing and tensions rising, the international community is closely watching the situation as the risk of further escalation remains high.