At least 43 students were killed and 63 others injured after an Israeli airstrike hit a girls’ school in Hormozgan province, Iran, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA. The attack has sparked outrage and raised concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
Former finance minister and Awam Pakistan Party leader Miftah Ismail condemned the attacks by Israel and the US, calling them “unwarranted” and “highly destabilizing.” He urged an immediate halt to the bombing campaign to allow diplomatic negotiations, noting that missiles have reportedly been fired at other Gulf states as tensions rise.
The Israeli army confirmed it carried out strikes on multiple locations in Tehran, aiming at meetings of senior Iranian political and security officials. While the military did not provide details on casualties or damage, it described the operation as a coordinated effort to strike key leadership gatherings.
Ayatollah Khamenei, 86, has been Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989. He succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei holds the ultimate authority over the military, judiciary, and all government branches. He is also the country’s spiritual leader.
His power is reinforced by the IRGC and the Basij paramilitary force. These institutions ensure loyalty to the Supreme Leader and maintain internal control. Khamenei has consistently described the US as Iran’s “number one enemy” and Israel as a major threat. Despite sanctions and domestic unrest, he has defended Iran’s nuclear program, insisting it is for civilian purposes only.
US and Israeli officials have repeatedly labeled Khamenei a threat. Israeli leaders have suggested he could be a target, while President Donald Trump has previously called for regime change and warned that Khamenei should be “very worried.”
