As the sun sets over this southern Iranian city, Heydar Sadeghi is where he can be found almost every evening: on a bench next to the shattered remains of his grandson's school. His face was soaked with tears. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The US airstrike on Feb. 28 destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh school, killing dozens of children and teachers. The ruins have become a place of mourning and remembrance. On Sept. 7, a cleric took a photograph at the shattered school, which has become a memorial to those killed.
Fatemeh Barani, mother of second-grade teacher Nasim Neyestani, who was killed in the US strike on Feb. 28, mourns at her daughter's grave in a section of a cemetery set aside for those killed at the school. She grieves, remembering her daughter's kindness and love for children.
Heydar Sadeghi, whose 11-year-old grandson Hami and Hami's mother, Neda Salehizadeh, were killed in the US strike on Feb. 28, stands beside the shattered remains of Hami's school, Shajareh Tayyebeh. He says he comes here every evening to honor their memory.
Colorful tree and flower decorations remain on the walls of a rubble-strewn classroom. Volunteers continue to search through the rubble.
The exact number of casualties is still unknown, but the incident has sparked international outrage. Iranian authorities condemned the attack and demanded attention from the international community.
For the residents of Minab, this school has become not just an educational institution, but a memorial to the victims of war. Every evening, parents and relatives come to the ruins to remember the children who died.
Associated Press correspondent Mohsen Ganji filmed a video showing Heydar Sadeghi's grief. He comes to his grandson's school every evening and sits there.
This incident may further escalate tensions between the US and Iran. International organizations have condemned the attack and called for the protection of human rights.
Textbooks and notebooks still lie among the ruins. Once, the laughter and voices of children were heard here. Now there is only grief and mourning.
Fatemeh Barani said at her daughter's grave: "My daughter loved teaching children. She always smiled. Now she is gone."
Heydar Sadeghi said of his grandson Hami: "He was the meaning of my life. I remember him here every evening."
The tragedy in Minab has caused grief and outrage across Iran. Many condemn the US actions and demand an appeal to international courts.
Associated Press conducted a thorough investigation and interviewed the families of the victims. They all share the same pain.
The ruins of the school have become a symbol of peace and the horrors of war. Visitors condemn the violence that led to the children's deaths.
The Iranian government is providing assistance to the families and has promised to build a new school. But for the families, nothing can fill this loss.
The international community has expressed protest and condemned US military actions. The UN Human Rights Office has also called for an investigation into the attack.
The ruins of the school in Minab may never be rebuilt. But the names of the children who died will forever remain in the people's memory.
Associated Press published this story, drawing world attention. This tragedy once again reminds humanity of the horrors of war.