The Human Cost of War: Iranian Families Mourn Bombing Victims

More than 3,000 people have been killed in Iran during six weeks of conflict following the start of United States and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026.

The campaign has targeted thousands of locations across the country, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Reports indicate that the toll includes healthcare workers, children, and residents of densely populated urban areas.

Civilian Casualties in Tehran

In Tehran, residents have faced lethal strikes in residential and commercial neighborhoods. Soma Salimi, a psychotherapist specializing in children with autism, was killed on March 9, 2026, when a bombing destroyed her apartment building in the Resalat district. Salimi had reportedly declined requests from her family to leave the capital for Bukan, a Kurdish region in the north, in order to continue her professional work.

Other casualties in the capital include Parastesh Dahaghin, a pharmacist in the Apadana neighborhood. Dahaghin was killed in an explosion while working at her pharmacy; the strike targeted a nearby IT company that reportedly played a role in Iran’s internet shutdowns. Her brother, Poorya, stated that she remained at her post because people need me and elderly people need their medication.

Additional deaths in Tehran include Berivan Molani, who was killed when debris from an airstrike struck her head while she was in bed. In the western town of Sardasht, a three-year-old child named Eilmah Bilki died on March 3, 2026, a day after being injured in an attack.

The Minab School Strike

One of the most significant civilian incidents occurred on March 2, 2026, in the southern town of Minab. An airstrike hit Minab Elementary school, resulting in a high number of casualties. Iranian state media reported that at least 165 civilians were killed in the strike, while other local reports cited more than 160 victims.

Images from the aftermath showed the preparation of more than 60 graves in the Minab cemetery, with preparations underway to bury more than 100 young girls killed in the attack.

Humanitarian and Economic Impact

Data released as of March 13, 2026, highlights the scale of the crisis. According to the Iranian Health Ministry, more than 1,200 civilians have been killed, and Iranian health officials report over 10,000 people have been injured. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that up to 3.2 million Iranians have been temporarily displaced.

The conflict has also incurred significant costs for the United States. The Pentagon stated that the first six days of the war cost the U.S. $11.3 billion. Regarding military casualties, at least 13 U.S. Service members have been killed, seven of whom died by enemy fire.

Information Blackouts

Gathering accurate data on casualties has been complicated by an internet blackout within Iran. Human rights groups have noted that collecting information on the ground is extremely difficult, and many Iranians have been arrested for attempting to use the internet during the war.