Iran's Football Team Honors Victims of School Bombing in Emotional Tribute

A Heartfelt Tribute by Iran's National Team

In Belek, Turkey, on March 27, Iran's men's national football team paid a touching homage to the children who lost their lives in a tragic school bombing in Minab. During the national anthem before their friendly match against Nigeria, players held up schoolbags and donned black armbands to honor the young victims.

The friendly match took place in the scenic resort town of Belek, with the gesture serving as a poignant reminder of the over 160 children who perished in the bombing of an elementary school in southern Iran, as reported by various media outlets.

The devastating incident occurred on February 28, 2026, when airstrikes linked to Operation Roaring Lion struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 individuals, primarily children, while they were attending classes.

This attack drew widespread international condemnation, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation labeling it a serious breach of international humanitarian law and calling for accountability.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the United States and Israel for their assaults on civilian infrastructure in Iran, describing these actions as war crimes. He urged the global community to unite against the injustices faced by Iran and emphasized the nation's commitment to self-defense.

This situation arises amidst ongoing US-Israeli strikes targeting critical infrastructure in Iran. Previously, US President Trump indicated a potential easing of operations against Iran, suggesting a seven-day pause on American strikes aimed at its energy infrastructure. However, he later extended this period to 10 days, until April 6, while the strikes by US-Israel forces persist.