Funeral Procession Held in Minab for Schoolchildren Killed in US Airstrike

MINAB, Iran — A solemn funeral procession moved through the streets of Minab on Tuesday morning as mourners gathered to honor schoolchildren identified by Iranian officials as victims of a United States airstrike targeting an elementary school. The event marks the first public identification of casualties following the incident that has drawn sharp international condemnation and heightened tensions in the region.

The cortege, led by families of the deceased and local religious leaders, proceeded from a community center toward a municipal cemetery under heavy security. Thousands of residents lined the route, carrying black banners bearing the names and photographs of the children killed in the attack. Moeen Amini of Press TV reported on the scene as relatives wept openly while chanting slogans against foreign military intervention.

Iranian authorities stated that the airstrike struck the school during morning hours, resulting in significant loss of life among students and staff. Officials described the facility as a civilian target with no prior indication of hostile activity within its grounds. The government has called for an immediate international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bombing, labeling it a war crime.

The United States military has not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the specific coordinates or objectives of the strike in Minab. However, Pentagon officials previously acknowledged conducting operations against designated targets in the area as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts. No official confirmation from Washington has addressed whether the school was an intended target or if collateral damage occurred during the mission.

Local hospital sources indicated that emergency teams responded immediately to the site, transporting injured survivors to nearby medical facilities. Several children remain in critical condition following treatment for blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. Community leaders have organized relief efforts to support affected families, providing food, clothing, and financial assistance as the city grapples with the aftermath.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Iran, with protests erupting in several major cities demanding accountability from American forces. Regional diplomats are reportedly engaging in urgent consultations to prevent further escalation between Tehran and Washington. The United Nations is expected to convene an emergency session later this week to discuss the humanitarian implications of the strike.

As the funeral concluded Tuesday afternoon, questions remain regarding the long-term impact on regional stability and whether diplomatic channels can de-escalate rising hostilities. Families of the victims have vowed to pursue justice through international legal avenues if domestic mechanisms fail to deliver answers.