Iran says US strike killed 24 civilians in school gymnasium

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson has detailed a U.S. missile strike on a gymnasium in Lamerd, Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 24 civilians, including a two-year-old girl and teenage volleyball players. Esmail Baghaei stated on social media platform X that over 130 people were injured, many suffering permanent disabilities.

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I have received horrific details regarding the U.S. missile strike targeting a gymnasium in Lamerd, Iran, on February 28.

Baghaei emphasized that the attack on the Lamerd gymnasium on February 28, the same day a school in Minab was hit, constitutes a "vile war crime." He accused the U.S. of deliberately targeting civilian areas and facilities, suggesting the attack was a calculated decision to test the destructive power of a new weapon system on Iranian civilians rather than a mistake.

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24 people, including a two-year-old girl, teenage volleyball players, and several women and men, were killed by the U.S. precision strike missile.

According to reports, the Lamerd gymnasium strike may have involved the use of a new U.S. missile, the PrSM (Precision Strike Missile). This weapon is designed to detonate directly above its target, scattering shrapnel. The New York Times noted that the PrSM had not previously been used in combat, making it difficult to determine if the Lamerd incident was intentional, due to a design flaw, or a result of improper target selection.

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There is no doubt that the U.S. intentionally targeted residential areas and civilian sports facilities in Lamerd.

The Iranian spokesperson asserted that there is "no doubt" the U.S. intentionally targeted the residential area and civilian sports facility in Lamerd. He demanded that those who ordered and executed the attack be held accountable in a proper court, stating that the Iranian people will neither forget nor forgive this crime. The incident has intensified accusations of war crimes against the U.S. during the ongoing conflict.

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This was not a mistake but a calculated decision to test the destructive power of a new weapon system on Iranian civilians, and such an act constitutes a clear and vile war crime.