The human cost of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was brought into sharp focus as an Iranian delegation carried symbolic reminders of tragedy on a flight to Islamabad. Blood-soaked school bags, shoes, white flowers, and photographs of children from Minab were placed in the front row of the aircraft. These items were meant to honour the victims and highlight the devastating impact of the war.

The delegation was led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is representing Iran in crucial peace talks with the United States. Sharing an image from the flight on social media, he wrote: "My companions on this flight #Minab168". The name ‘Minab 168’ has been given to the delegation to commemorate the children who were killed in the early days of the conflict. The symbolic gesture aimed to ensure that the loss of innocent lives remains central to the discussions.

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa also shared the image online. In its message, it said, "We will never forget the children of Minab, ever." The tribute has drawn attention to the tragic events that unfolded in the southern Iranian town and has added emotional weight to the diplomatic mission.

According to Iranian officials, more than 160 children were killed on February 28, the first day of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The reported attack targeted the Shajareh Tayyibeh School, a girls’ elementary school located in Minab. It was alleged that the strike took place during school hours, when the building was full of students. The scale of the casualties has been described as one of the most heartbreaking incidents of the conflict.

Days after the incident, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi shared an aerial image that appeared to show mass graves being prepared for the victims. In his post, he described the deaths as those of “innocent” girls and strongly criticised the United States. However, the authenticity of the image has not been independently verified.

Condemning the incident, Araghchi stated, "The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils. Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this site alone. These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered." His remarks reflected Iran’s strong stance on the matter and its demand for accountability.

The United States has repeatedly denied targeting a school in Minab. Responding to the allegations, Donald Trump said, "We think it was done by Iran. Because they are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever." This statement reflects the US position that the strike may not have been carried out by its forces.

At the same time, a report by The New York Times suggested that a Tomahawk missile may have hit the school due to a targeting error by the US military. The report pointed out that the United States is the only country involved in the conflict known to use Tomahawk missiles. This has added complexity to the situation, with conflicting claims continuing from both sides.

Amid these tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway to bring an end to the conflict. Delegations from Iran and the United States are meeting in Islamabad for peace talks based on Tehran’s 10-point ceasefire proposal. The Iranian team, led by Ghalibaf, includes Araghchi and several other officials. They arrived in Pakistan early on Saturday.

The delegation was received by key Pakistani leaders, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. Their presence highlights the importance Pakistan is placing on facilitating these discussions.

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance is leading the delegation. He is accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Trump. Vance’s visit marks the first time a US vice president has travelled to Pakistan since 2011, when Joe Biden visited the country.

The presence of both delegations in Islamabad signals a significant attempt to reduce tensions and move toward a ceasefire. At the same time, the symbolic items carried by the Iranian delegation serve as a powerful reminder of the lives lost. The outcome of these talks will be closely watched, as both sides attempt to find common ground while addressing the deep scars left by the conflict.