'Minab 168' flight carries memory of school strike victims to US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad

Images from a plane carrying Iran's delegation to US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad show seats filled with photos and belongings of victims of the Minab school strike.

The aircraft, named "Minab 168," honours the 168 people killed in the attack, most of them children, Al Jazeera reported today (11 April).

The gesture comes as Iran prepares for negotiations with the United States aimed at ending their six-week-long war, while drawing attention to civilian losses from recent strikes.

The death toll from an Israeli strike on a girls' elementary school in southern Iran stands at 168, Iranian state media reported, with 96 others injured in the attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' Elementary School in Hormozgan province.

Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the attack killed innocent children and would not go unanswered, while the Foreign Ministry urged action from the United Nations Security Council.

The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area, while the US military said it was looking into the reports.

The developments come as the US and Iran are set to hold talks in Islamabad today to end the conflict. The Iranian delegation, led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Araghchi, arrived ahead of the negotiations.

Iran has said the talks cannot begin without commitments on issues including sanctions relief and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Fighting has continued in Lebanon despite a recently announced ceasefire, adding uncertainty to the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has said Iran has little leverage in the talks, while US Vice President JD Vance said he expects a positive outcome but warned Washington would not be receptive to pressure.

The talks come amid ongoing tensions, including Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continued regional hostilities, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to reach a deal.