The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, Iran, once welcoming children with its bright blue gate, symbols of Iran, and portraits of legends, has transformed into a poignant memorial. Photographs displayed along the walkway depict moments of children’s joy, followed by their faces on somber black banners.

This transformation follows a devastating attack during the earliest moments of the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel across Iran on February 28. Strikes targeted the school, resulting in over 100 student fatalities, according to Iranian officials. However, months later, the Trump administration has refrained from accepting direct responsibility or releasing Pentagon findings. An Associated Press investigation uncovered evidence linking at least one U.S. missile to the strike.

Recently, Minab garnered attention once more due to a fresh series of U.S. strikes along Iran’s southern coast. These attacks hit a wedding and other locations, causing injuries necessitating hospital treatment within the community. The Associated Press visited the severely damaged two-story building, discovering classrooms halted mid-lesson, with desks partially buried beneath collapsed ceilings.

There is strong advocacy to preserve these ruins as historical records. Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani plans to convert the building into a war museum and memorial. Minab’s cemetery has allocated a section for those lost, where families and communities continue to pay their respects. Tragically, three bodies remain unaccounted for.

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