TEHRAN, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Education Minister Alireza Kazemi said Saturday that in-person classes cannot be held under current conditions, citing the ongoing war.

Kazemi said any decision to reopen schools would be made at the national level and not solely by the Education Ministry, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. He said the move would depend on broader government policies.

Kazemi added that protecting students' health, their families' safety, and public calm are the ministry's top priorities. He said in-person classes would resume once conditions return to normal.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Several educational facilities, including schools and universities, were damaged in the attacks, including one in the southern city of Minab that was hit on the first day of the war, leaving hundreds dead.

Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East. A ceasefire between the sides took effect on April 8. ■