Death Toll Climbs to 40 in Israeli Strike on Iranian Girls' School
According to Iran's state media, the death toll from an Israeli military strike on an elementary girls' school in southern Iran has increased to 40 individuals. The attack targeted the educational facility located in Minab, a city within Hormozgan Province, with initial reports listing 24 fatalities before emergency teams revised the number upward after accessing the site and surrounding areas.
Trump Outlines Rationale for US-Israeli Military Operations
Former United States President Donald Trump responded to the broader military actions, stating that joint US-Israeli operations are designed to neutralize threats emanating from Tehran. He emphasized the objective of defending American citizens by eliminating dangers posed by the Iranian regime.
"Our goal is to protect the American people by destroying threats from the Iranian government," Trump declared. "We will demolish their missiles and obliterate their missile industry completely." He further asserted, "We will guarantee that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. The message is straightforward."
Iran Dismisses Claims of Leadership Casualties
Iranian media outlets have firmly rejected reports indicating that senior officials were targeted during the attacks. The Fars news agency reported that key figures, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and security official Ali Larijani, remain unharmed and in good health.
Official sources within Iran confirmed that top regime officials and heads of the armed forces are safe, countering speculation about leadership losses following the strikes.
Tensions Escalate After Failed Nuclear Negotiations
The military strikes occurred following the collapse of recent US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, which were mediated by Oman and concluded without any agreement. Analysts describe this latest attack as one of the most severe escalations between Israel and Iran since the brief but intense conflict in mid-2025.
This development raises significant concerns about regional stability, especially as civilian casualties continue to mount. The situation underscores the deepening rift and potential for further conflict in the Middle East.
Background: US Declares War Against Iran
Previously, reports indicated that the United States initiated major military operations against Iran, with President Donald Trump warning the Iranian regime that its forces would face "certain death" if they did not surrender their weapons. In a broadcast, Trump characterized Iran as a severe threat to the United States and its allies, describing the regime as "a vicious group of very hard, terrible people" whose actions endanger US troops, bases, and allies globally.
The operation aims to defend American lives and interests by neutralizing imminent threats from Tehran, marking a significant escalation in the longstanding tensions between the two nations.
