Iran's Foreign Minister Highlights Tragic School Attack During India Visit
Iran's Diplomatic Mission to India
Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, has arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, bringing with him a poignant reminder of a tragic event. His aircraft bore the inscription "Minab 168," which refers to the heartbreaking incident where 168 schoolchildren reportedly lost their lives due to a US airstrike on a school in Minab. This attack occurred on February 28, coinciding with the onset of the US-Israel military operations against Iran. The phrase "Minab 168" was prominently displayed on the side of Araghchi’s plane.
According to Iranian sources, the missile strike targeted Tayyebeh primary school in Minab, located in the Hormozgan province near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. UNICEF reported that the victims were children aged between 7 and 12 years. The school’s proximity to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility has led to speculation about whether it was the intended target of the assault. While Iran has accused the US of deliberately attacking innocent children and civilians, the Pentagon has initiated an investigation following initial findings that suggested American forces may have been involved in the incident.
Details of Araghchi's Visit
Three-Day Official Engagement in India
Araghchi's visit to India spans three days and marks the first significant diplomatic interaction from Tehran since the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran over two months ago. His primary purpose is to participate in a two-day BRICS foreign ministers' meeting.
During his stay, the Iranian foreign minister is expected to engage in extensive bilateral discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with a focus on the intensifying crisis in West Asia. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is anticipated to be a key topic, with Indian officials likely advocating for the safe transit of merchant vessels through this vital maritime route. Additionally, Araghchi and his BRICS counterparts are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.