Key Points
- At least 51 female students were killed and 45 others injured in a devastating strike in Southern Iran.
- Tehran has retaliated by firing approximately 400 missiles targeting Israel and U.S. military assets.
- Retaliatory strikes have been reported in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan.
- The Iranian government has closed all schools and universities indefinitely as a security precaution.
- Government offices are operating at 50% staff capacity, while banks remain open to prevent economic panic.
The escalating conflict between Iran and the joint forces of Israel and the United States reached a grim milestone on Saturday, February 28, 2026. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), a series of morning air strikes targeted several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran. However, the most significant civilian toll occurred in Southern Iran, where a strike on an educational center resulted in the deaths of 51 female students.
In total, 54 deaths have been confirmed from the morning’s raids, with over 45 students currently receiving emergency medical treatment for severe injuries. The Iranian government has labeled the incident a “horrific war crime,” while military officials from the coalition maintain that the strikes were aimed at nearby strategic IRGC infrastructure.
Tehran Vows Defiance and Massive Retaliation
Following an emergency session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, officials blamed the “Zionist regime” and the United States for the coordinated assault. A council spokesperson declared that the enemy is mistaken if they believe these strikes will break the spirit of the Iranian people.
“The armed forces of the Islamic Republic have already begun a decisive response,” the statement read, assuring the public that the government has secured sufficient supplies of essential goods to withstand a prolonged period of high-intensity conflict.
400 Missiles Unleashed Across the Middle East
The promised counter-offensive, dubbed “Truthful Promise 4,” began within hours of the initial strikes. Intelligence reports and regional monitors indicate that Iran launched a barrage of approximately 400 ballistic missiles. Unlike previous escalations, the scope of this retaliation appears much broader, with missiles and drones reportedly targeting:
- Israel: Major population centers and military airbases.
- U.S. Bases: Installations in Jordan, Qatar (Al Udeid), and Bahrain (5th Fleet HQ).
- Regional Hubs: Strategic locations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The targeting of multiple sovereign nations has raised fears of a total regional war, as nations like Jordan have already activated air defense systems to intercept projectiles crossing their airspace.
Domestic Shutdown and Civil Defense
Inside Iran, the atmosphere is one of high alert. The Ministry of Education has ordered the indefinite closure of all schools and universities to protect students from potential follow-up strikes. While banks remain operational to ensure financial stability, government offices have transitioned to a 50% staffing model to reduce the number of potential casualties in administrative buildings.
Despite the chaos, the Iranian administration has urged citizens to remain calm, follow civil defense guidelines, and ignore “psychological warfare” from foreign media. As the sun sets on February 28, the Middle East remains on a knife-edge, with the international community bracing for the next phase of what has become the most significant military confrontation in the region this century.
