Tehran, MINA – Iran is vowing a firm retaliation after what it describes as a coordinated “US-Israeli aggression” on Saturday that resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and left hundreds more wounded, Al Jazeera reports.
The attacks, which spanned multiple Iranian provinces, tragically targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools and a sports hall.
The deadliest single incident occurred in the southern province of Hormozgan, where an Israeli strike on the Minab Elementary School for Girls martyred 108 people, according to the local Public Prosecutor’s Office. A further 90 students were injured at another educational facility, the Shajareh Tayyebeh School, in the same city.
The violence was not confined to the south. In Abyek, a school strike claimed the life of one student, while in Tehran’s Narmak district, two students were wounded. In a separate attack in the southern city of Lamerd, located in Fars Province, a strike on a sports hall killed 20 young volleyball players, as confirmed by a provincial official.
Also Read: Fresh Israeli Airstrikes Kill 11 Across Southern Lebanon
The Iranian Red Crescent has placed the preliminary death toll from the ongoing offensive, which began Saturday morning, at over 200 killed and 747 wounded. The strikes have prompted a strong response from Tehran.
In an official communication, the Iranian Foreign Ministry characterized the airstrikes as a “flagrant violation” of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which explicitly prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Invoking its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter, Iran has declared it will use all its capabilities to deter this aggression and confront its enemies.
Military sources indicate that the response has already begun. According to the Tasnim News Agency, a military source announced that 14 US military bases across West Asia have been targeted by Iran in a retaliatory move. Tehran has previously warned that Washington’s regional military assets would be legitimate targets if the Islamic Republic was attacked.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council released a statement condemning the “cowardly attempts” by the US and Israel, noting that the aggression occurred while negotiations were ongoing. The council confirmed that the Iranian Armed Forces have initiated a “decisive retaliatory response” and assured the public that updates would be provided continuously.
Also Read: US, Indonesia Announce Major Defense Cooperation Partnership
Warning citizens that further attacks on Tehran and other urban centers are possible, the council advised people to remain calm, avoid crowded areas, and exercise precaution. In a measure to ensure public safety, all schools and universities have been closed until further notice. Government offices will operate at half capacity, and citizens have been advised to avoid crowded shopping centers, though banks will continue to provide essential services.
The international community is now watching closely as tensions in the region escalate dramatically following these deadly strikes on Iranian soil.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
Also Read: Sanders to Force Senate Vote Blocking Major US Arms Sale to Israel
Mina Indonesia
Mina Arabic
Mina Sport