The Iranian Foreign Ministry has officially condemned a US airstrike near the Shahid Baghaei Specialised Hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, labeling the action a “cowardly war crime.” Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the strike forced the emergency evacuation of 211 patients, including children undergoing chemotherapy, some of whom required oxygen and ventilators.
Hospital director Reza Bazar reported that the facility was rendered inoperable by the proximity of the blast. Medical staff described the explosion as intense, noting that the immediate shock caused panic among patients and staff, many of whom were forced to relocate while receiving critical care. Iranian officials compared the incident to previous attacks on healthcare infrastructure in the region, arguing that such actions violate international law and the UN Charter.
While the United States has not issued a formal comment on the hospital strike, it confirmed a new wave of military operations against Iranian targets on Thursday. The escalating conflict has heightened concerns regarding the safety of civilian infrastructure across the region. Iran has warned that it will respond by targeting infrastructure in neighboring Gulf countries, further complicating efforts to secure a ceasefire.
The incident occurs amid a broader escalation in hostilities that began five months ago. Iranian officials claim that 17 hospitals have been severely damaged during the current and previous conflicts. International observers continue to monitor the situation, as regional leaders remain on high alert over the potential for the war to reach catastrophic levels.