Iran strongly criticized a United States strike near a children’s cancer hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Thursday. Iranian officials said the incident endangered vulnerable patients and disrupted essential medical services during heightened regional tensions. Moreover, the development added fresh diplomatic pressure as military exchanges between Iran and the United States continued.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Shahid Baqaei Hospital evacuated patients after overnight strikes hit a nearby location. According to Iranian officials, the hospital specializes in pediatric cancer treatment and serves children receiving long-term chemotherapy. Consequently, medical teams quickly transferred patients to safer locations while emergency staff maintained critical healthcare services.
Baghaei stated that the evacuation involved 211 children undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Furthermore, he said the emergency operation interrupted scheduled medical care and caused significant concern among patients, families, and healthcare workers. Iranian authorities described the evacuation as a necessary step to protect vulnerable children from potential danger.
Ahvaz hospital strike became the focus of statements issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Baghaei described the reported attack as a violation of humanitarian principles and accused the United States of putting civilians at risk. In addition, he urged the international community to pay greater attention to protecting healthcare facilities during armed conflicts.
The spokesman also criticized governments that, in his view, respond selectively to humanitarian concerns. He argued that countries promoting human rights should condemn attacks affecting hospitals regardless of those involved. Therefore, Iranian officials renewed calls for stronger protection of civilian healthcare infrastructure.
Residents across Ahvaz reported hearing several explosions on Wednesday night as military activity intensified across the city. Local reports indicated that strikes targeted multiple locations, including areas near Shahid Baqaei Hospital. However, independent verification of the reported damage remained unavailable at the time of publication.
Ahvaz hospital strike continues to influence diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington as regional tensions remain high. Meanwhile, international observers will monitor official responses and any additional information surrounding the reported incident. Ahvaz hospital strike remains part of wider discussions concerning civilian protection, humanitarian law, and regional security.