Following a reported military incident, a girls’ school in Hormozgan, Iran, has been heavily damaged, with the number of victims continuing to rise.

An early morning incident on February 28 reportedly affected several areas in Iran, including the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab district, Hormozgan province. Local authorities in Minab said at least 85 students lost their lives and around 60 others were injured. Rescue teams are continuing search efforts in the debris, and the numbers may be updated as operations continue.

Images shared by local media show the two-story school largely destroyed, with smoke visible above the structure. Parents and residents gathered nearby, grieving and searching for loved ones.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the incident occurred during school hours while students were present. He described it as a serious tragedy and said the country would respond through appropriate channels.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the situation as deeply concerning and called for international attention, urging global institutions to review the matter.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the destruction of the school a heartbreaking event and expressed condolences to the families affected and the people of Minab.

He emphasized the importance of protecting civilian facilities and called for immediate medical assistance for the injured, as well as long-term humanitarian support.

Mohammed Vall, Al Jazeera’s Tehran correspondent, said the event raises questions about the stated objectives of the military actions.

Colonel Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said they had received reports regarding civilian harm at the school and were reviewing the information.

“Protecting civilians is a priority, and we take steps to reduce unintended harm,” he said, without providing further details about the circumstances.

Military operations reportedly took place early February 28, focusing on defense-related locations.

Iran later announced further actions in response, while regional tensions increased. International leaders and organizations have since called for restraint, dialogue, and efforts to prevent further harm to civilians.