Iran Condemns US Strikes Near Hospital

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly criticised the United States following airstrikes close to a cancer hospital in Ahvaz, southwest Iran. The strikes prompted the evacuation of 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy, raising concerns about civilian safety.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the incident as a “barbaric attack” and compared it to Israeli assaults on healthcare facilities. He said the strikes caused severe distress among patients, including children, who were receiving treatment.

Tehran’s Warning of Retaliation
Iran issued a stern warning that it would target regional infrastructure if the US carried out further attacks on Iranian facilities.

Military officials stated that “all infrastructure in the region” would be destroyed if Washington escalated its operations. This marks a sharp increase in rhetoric as tensions rise in West Asia.

US Military Operations
The US Central Command confirmed ongoing operations in the region, releasing images of CH-47 Chinook helicopters engaged in routine flight missions. Washington has expanded strikes in recent weeks, citing threats from Iranian-backed groups.

The Pentagon has not commented directly on the hospital evacuation but insists its operations are aimed at neutralising hostile targets.

Humanitarian Concerns
The evacuation of cancer patients has drawn international attention. Analysts warn that targeting areas near medical facilities risks worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Observers note that such incidents could undermine efforts by mediators working to de-escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The confrontation raises fears of wider instability across the Middle East. Iran has hinted at possible strikes on Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Kharg islands, should US attacks continue.

Diplomatic channels remain active, but the situation highlights the fragile balance in the region, where military escalation could disrupt oil exports and regional trade.

The evacuation of patients from Ahvaz’s cancer hospital underscores the human cost of military conflict. Iran’s vow to retaliate against regional infrastructure signals a dangerous escalation that could destabilise West Asia further.