Pink and purple protest - Iran's national team players carry backpacks to honour victims of Minab Girls' School attack ahead of Nigeria match

"Iran's national football team players carried pink and purple school bags before their friendly match against Nigeria in Antalya on Friday in a symbolic tribute to the victims of Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab. Footage shows the players holding the backpacks while signing the national anthem alongside coaches and staff members. Iran's team is participating in a four-nation friendly tournament in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, amid considerable debate about its participation in this edition. The friendly tournament also features the national teams of Nigeria, Jordan, and Costa Rica. The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab was hit by an airstrike on February 28, which reportedly killed more than 175 students and teachers, according to local authorities. Iran has blamed the United States and Israel for the airstrike, while Israel claimed it was 'unaware' of any operations in the area. The US, on the other hand, denied targeting civilians, with President Donald Trump placing 'direct responsibility' on Iran. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that 'investigations are ongoing,' and White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt added that the results 'will be accepted and not preempted.' Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the US and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran on February 28, amid diplomatic talks aimed at 'limiting Iran's nuclear and missile programs.' In response, Tehran carried out strikes targeting Israel and US military sites in the region, with reports of explosions in several Gulf countries."

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