The Iranian Red Crescent says 108 students were killed in a strike on a school in southern Iran, as the US and Israel launched a wave of attacks on the country.

TEHRAN: The death toll from a strike that hit a school in southern Iran has risen to 108, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

The organisation said the victims were students at Minab School, with relief and debris removal operations still ongoing. AFP was unable to independently verify the toll or the circumstances at the location.

The strike occurred as the United States and Israel launched a wave of attacks against the Islamic republic. The Iranian Red Crescent reported on Saturday evening that at least 201 people had been killed and 747 injured in the attacks nationwide.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the school strike as a “barbaric act”. He said it represented “another black page in the record of countless crimes committed by the aggressors”.

When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military did not offer an immediate comment on the reports. The Pentagon also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM) was quoted by The New York Times as acknowledging reports of civilian harm. “We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations,” the spokesperson said.

“We take these reports seriously and are looking into them. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm.”

 The Sun Malaysia