China announced on Friday that it will donate $200,000 to the parents of students killed in what it described as an “indiscriminate” missile strike on a school in southern Iran during the early stages of the ongoing Middle East war.
The strike, which Tehran attributes to the United States and Israel, reportedly killed at least 165 people, including children, according to Iranian media reports. Funerals for the victims have already been held, although the death toll has not been independently verified. A US military investigation into the incident is ongoing.
China’s Foreign Ministry said the Chinese Red Cross Society will provide the funds through the Iranian Red Crescent Society, specifically for “condolences and compensations” to the families of the deceased students.
Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun condemned the attack, calling it a “severe violation” of international humanitarian law.
“Attacks on schools and children constitute a more severe violation of international humanitarian law and breach the bottom line of human conscience and morality,” Guo said. “China stands ready to continue providing necessary assistance to Iran in a humanitarian spirit to support the Iranian people through this difficult time.”
The New York Times reported that the US military investigation found the school was struck by a US Tomahawk missile due to a targeting mistake. Israel has denied any involvement or knowledge of the incident.
US President Donald Trump initially suggested that Iran itself might have been responsible, despite Iran not possessing Tomahawk missiles. He later stated he could “live with” the results of the investigation but expressed uncertainty when asked about the Times report.
Access to the strike location has been restricted, and independent verification of the casualty figures remains unavailable.
