Tragic incident! A missile hit a gymnasium, killing 20 Iranian volleyball players.
On 2 Mar 2026 GMT+7, during a major joint operation by the United States and Israel against Iran, reports emerged that about 20 youth volleyball players died when a missile struck a sports gym in Lamerd city, Fars province, southern Iran.
Modern.az website cited information from SNN television and local agency sources, reporting that at least four rockets landed in Fars province, including Lamerd city, causing around 100 injuries.
Ali Alizadeh, head of Lamerd district administration in Fars province, revealed that approximately 15–20 people died from attacks targeting the sports arena and two residential buildings, expressing concern that the death toll might rise further.
The International Volleyball Federation issued a statement expressing being “shocked and deeply concerned” over reports of youth volleyball players' deaths amid escalating unrest in the Middle East, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and those affected by the incident.
Additionally, Iranian television reported explosions in several cities including Qom, Bandar Abbas, Alborz, and Urmia, highlighting ongoing tensions across multiple areas of the country.