Iran’s Health Minister says scientific resilience remains strong despite enemy attacks. Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi issued this statement from Tehran. He condemned a US-Israeli airstrike on the Pasteur Institute. This historic center has served biomedical research for over 100 years. Consequently, the attack represents an international disaster.
The minister described the strike as barbaric aggression. Enemy forces targeted virology, bacteriology, and parasitology laboratories. These facilities conducted critical public health research. Therefore, the attack proves the enemy fears Iran’s scientific progress. No amount of bombs can erase scientific knowledge, Zafarghandi added. For Iran, scientific resilience remains strong at its core.
The Pasteur Institute of Iran opened more than a century ago. It has driven medical advancements across the region. Iranian scientists developed vaccines and treatments there. Many regional nations relied on its expertise. Furthermore, the institute trained generations of public health workers. Thus, the airstrike damages not just Iran but global health cooperation.
Zafarghandi assured the nation about reconstruction efforts. Sections with limited damage will restore within two to three months. More heavily damaged areas will rebuild as quickly as possible. The Ministry of Health will mobilize all resources. Similarly, the Planning and Budget Organization will provide support. Iranian donors and ordinary citizens have also pledged generous help. Hence, scientific resilience remains strong through collective action.
The minister then addressed the broader implications. Targeting scientific centers attacks Iran’s independence directly. The enemy wants to sabotage self-reliance in research. Nevertheless, Iranian scientists retain all their expertise. Their knowledge lives in their minds, not just buildings. Consequently, the institute’s mission continues without interruption. Public health breakthroughs will still emerge from Iranian labs.
This airstrike occurred during the wider February 28 conflict. U.S. and Israeli forces launched a war of aggression. They struck nuclear facilities, schools, and hospitals. The Pasteur Institute became one of many civilian targets. A temporary ceasefire now holds after weeks of fighting. However, reconstruction proves that Iran will not surrender its scientific future.
Analysts view this as a war crime under international law. Attacking civilian research centers violates the Geneva Conventions. The World Health Organization may issue a condemnation. Similarly, UNESCO could investigate damage to cultural heritage. Nevertheless, Iran focuses on rebuilding rather than waiting for justice. For the scientific community, scientific resilience remains strong as a matter of national pride.
Future steps include a full damage assessment. Engineers will evaluate structural integrity of remaining buildings. Scientists will relocate critical equipment to secure sites. Research programs will continue from temporary facilities. Meanwhile, international partners may offer technical assistance. Iran will likely accept help from friendly nations. The reconstruction timeline depends on funding and material availability.
Zafarghandi ended his statement with a firm promise. Sanctions, bombs, and aggression cannot stop Iran’s progress. The Islamic Republic will achieve full scientific independence. This attack only strengthens the people’s determination. Iranian scientists will push forward with even greater resolve. In conclusion, scientific resilience remains strong as the nation rebuilds its beloved institute.