Iran’s healthcare attacks have drawn global concern after the World Health Organization confirmed multiple strikes on medical facilities during the current conflict. The incidents raise serious humanitarian questions as fighting intensifies across the region.
The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the agency verified 13 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran. The organization also confirmed one additional attack on a medical site in Lebanon. However, officials did not identify who carried out the strikes.
Health infrastructure damage has become a growing concern since hostilities escalated between Israel and Iran. Medical facilities play a critical role during wartime. Therefore, any disruption can quickly affect emergency care, surgery capacity, and treatment for civilians.
One of the most visible incidents involved damage to Gandhi Hospital in Tehran. Images from the site show broken windows, damaged exterior panels, and dust covering large parts of the building. The hospital remains one of the capital’s important medical facilities serving thousands of residents.
Meanwhile, Iranian lawmakers have sharply criticized the attacks. Fatemeh Mohammad Beigi said nine hospitals inside Iran suffered damage since the start of the conflict. She accused both the United States and Israel of targeting healthcare centers.
However, Israeli military officials rejected claims that hospitals were deliberate targets. The Israel Defense Forces stated that a recent strike in Tehran did not intentionally hit Gandhi Hospital. Officials said their operations focus on military infrastructure.
The Israeli military has repeatedly said it uses precision weapons to limit civilian harm. Military planners argue that strikes aim at strategic sites linked to security threats.
At the same time, the United States has also denied targeting civilian locations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said American forces do not intentionally attack civilian populations or medical institutions.
The U.S. military command overseeing operations in the region, United States Central Command, has not publicly provided further details regarding the specific allegations tied to the Tehran hospital incident.
International humanitarian law strictly protects healthcare facilities during armed conflicts. Hospitals, ambulances, and medical staff receive special legal protections under the Geneva Conventions. Attacks on these facilities can trigger investigations and international scrutiny.
Nevertheless, urban warfare often complicates battlefield conditions. Military analysts note that combat near major cities increases the risk of damage to nearby civilian infrastructure. Hospitals located near government or security facilities face greater exposure to strike zones.
Humanitarian organizations now warn that continued Iranian healthcare attacks could strain the country’s medical system. Iran already manages heavy demand from civilians injured during recent military exchanges.
Looking ahead, global health officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The World Health Organization has urged all sides to respect medical neutrality and protect healthcare workers.
As the conflict evolves, the issue of Iran’s healthcare attacks will likely remain central to international diplomatic discussions and humanitarian oversight.