DUBAI : At least 70 people have been killed and more than 90 wounded in attacks on the southern Iranian cities of Minab and Jask in Hormozgan province, the head of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences told Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.

Iranian state media earlier reported that a strike hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, killing more than 50 people. The casualty figures could not be independently verified.

The reported deaths mark one of the deadliest single incidents since the latest escalation between Israel and Iran began.

Trump: “All I want Is freedom for the people”

In his first public comment since releasing a recorded video message earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump told The Washington Post he was focused on national security.

“I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have,” Trump said. “All I want is freedom for the people.”

Washington has not directly addressed the reported strike on the school in Minab.

Iranian retaliation targets GCC states

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting locations linked to U.S. military presence across parts of the Gulf. Countries including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — all of which host American military assets — were placed on high alert amid reports of attempted or intercepted strikes.

Tehran vowed there would be “no leniency” in its response, framing the attacks as retaliation for Israeli actions and U.S. involvement.

A Qatari Defence Ministry official told Al Jazeera that an early-warning radar system in northern Qatar was targeted in an Iranian strike.

Saudi Arabia confirmed that Iran targeted Riyadh and the kingdom’s eastern region, but said the attacks were repelled. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the strikes “cannot be justified under any pretext,” adding that the kingdom had previously made clear it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran.

UAE, Qatar leaders condemn strikes

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the situation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement from Doha.

Both leaders condemned the targeting of Qatar, the UAE and other Arab countries by Iranian missiles and reaffirmed coordination to safeguard regional security.

Gulf governments have strongly denounced the escalation, emphasizing their sovereignty and commitment to stability.

Airspace closures and aviation disruption

The security situation has triggered widespread airspace closures and airport disruptions across the Gulf.

The United Arab Emirates announced partial airspace restrictions, affecting operations at Dubai International Airport and other major airports. Flights were delayed, diverted or cancelled as authorities prioritized passenger and crew safety.

Airspace restrictions were also reported in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, creating ripple effects across global aviation networks.

Major regional carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways adjusted schedules, while several international airlines suspended services to parts of the region.

Region on edge

While full damage assessments remain unclear, the escalation has had immediate military, diplomatic and civilian consequences. Civil aviation, missile defence systems and key infrastructure across the GCC have been drawn into the widening confrontation.

With casualties mounting in southern Iran and Gulf states bracing for further strikes, the crisis now represents one of the most serious regional escalations in recent years, with fears of broader destabilisation growing by the hour.

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