Tehran, Aug 29 (V7N)- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the people of Iran will “never forget” or “never forgive” the attack on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab on February 28.
Araghchi said the students affected by the attack have become a “symbol of heroism” for the Iranian people. He said the incident has left a deep scar on the nation's collective memory, particularly among the families of those killed and injured.
The comments come amid continuing controversy over the circumstances of the deadly attack and the lack of a publicly released final investigation by the US authorities.
According to reports cited by international media, the US military had intended to strike an Iranian military facility near the Shajarah Tayyeb Elementary School in Minab. The school was reportedly located on land that had previously been associated with the military facility.
Reports have alleged that the February 28 strike hit the school instead, killing 168 students, teachers and staff. US authorities have not publicly accepted responsibility for the incident and have said that an investigation is ongoing.
Pentagon report remains unpublished
The incident has generated criticism in the United States over the absence of a final investigation report months after the attack.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously said an investigation was underway and that a report would be released. However, no final report has been publicly disclosed.
Several former US officials, including a senior military lawyer, have criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the investigation. They have argued that the Pentagon should at least provide basic information about what happened and why the release of the report has been delayed.
US media reports have previously cited preliminary assessments suggesting that American forces may have inadvertently struck the school. However, no final official determination has been made public.
According to reports, the US military relied on intelligence information in planning the strike. Questions have subsequently been raised over whether outdated or inaccurate intelligence contributed to the incident.
Iran accuses US of war crime
Iran has described the attack as a war crime. Amnesty International has also called for an independent and transparent investigation, saying that an attack resulting in the deaths of large numbers of children could constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Iranian authorities previously released images of missile debris recovered from the site and claimed that markings on the debris indicated US involvement.
However, former US President Donald Trump rejected Iranian accusations at the time and said Iran was responsible for the strike, arguing that Iranian weapons lacked accuracy.
The competing claims have left the circumstances of the attack unresolved publicly.
Araghchi's latest remarks indicate that the Minab school attack remains a deeply sensitive issue in Iran. He said the memory of the students who were killed and injured would remain alive among the Iranian people and that those responsible would not be forgiven.
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