Iran Education Minister Reports Hundreds Killed in Schools Amid U.S., Israel Conflict
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TEHRAN, April 27 (AP) — Iran's Minister of Education Alireza Kazemi stated Monday that 279 students and 67 teachers have been killed and hundreds of schools damaged following a military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic.
Kazemi made the announcement during a press briefing in Tehran, detailing the impact of the conflict on the nation's educational infrastructure. The minister attributed the casualties and destruction to what he described as a war of aggression targeting Iranian territory.
The attacks have been concentrated in several key provinces, including Tehran, Markazi, and Hormozgan. Kazemi reported that educational facilities in these regions sustained significant damage, disrupting schooling for thousands of children across the country. The minister did not specify the exact locations of the most severe incidents but confirmed that the destruction was widespread.
The United States and Israel have not publicly commented on the specific claims regarding school casualties or the extent of damage to educational facilities. Officials from both nations have previously stated that their military operations are focused on specific strategic targets, though details regarding the scope and nature of the current campaign remain limited.
Iranian state media has broadcast footage of damaged school buildings and emergency response teams working at affected sites. The images show structural damage to classrooms and administrative buildings, with debris scattered across school grounds. Local authorities in the affected provinces have mobilized resources to assess the damage and provide temporary shelter for displaced students and staff.
The conflict has raised concerns about the safety of civilians, particularly children, in the region. International organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of educational institutions from military action. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the reported casualties and damage to schools, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law.
As the situation develops, questions remain regarding the full extent of the casualties and the long-term impact on Iran's education system. The Iranian government has indicated that it will continue to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.
The conflict has intensified regional instability, with neighboring countries monitoring the situation closely. The international community remains divided on the appropriate response, with some nations calling for restraint and others supporting military action against perceived threats.
Further details on the casualties and the specific targets of the military campaign are expected to emerge in the coming days as investigations continue. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for escalation or resolution depending on the actions of the involved parties.