Officials say 211 pediatric cancer patients evacuated after attack near medical facility
TEHRAN: Iran has strongly condemned what it described as a United States strike near a children’s cancer hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, accusing Washington of endangering vulnerable patients and forcing the emergency evacuation of hundreds of children receiving treatment.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Shahid Baqaei Hospital, a specialised medical centre for children with cancer, was evacuated on Wednesday night after a strike reportedly hit a nearby location. According to Iranian authorities, 211 pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were moved to safety following the incident.
Baqaei described the reported attack as “barbaric” and alleged it caused severe fear, distress and disruption for young patients, their families and medical staff. He further accused the United States of violating international humanitarian principles by conducting military operations close to a healthcare facility.
Iran accuses US of violating humanitarian principles
Moreover, Baqaei called the reported strike a “cowardly war crime” and compared it to previous attacks on healthcare facilities during regional conflicts. He criticised countries that advocate for human rights while allegedly remaining silent over attacks affecting hospitals and medical centres.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency also reported that explosions occurred near Shahid Baqaei Hospital, prompting the evacuation of children receiving cancer treatment. However, US authorities had not immediately commented on the Iranian allegations, and Reuters could not independently verify the claims.
Regional tensions continue to rise
Meanwhile, the incident comes as military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate over the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have exchanged strikes in recent days despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding intended to preserve a ceasefire and establish a framework for long-term negotiations.
Diplomatic efforts by regional mediators remain underway, but continued military exchanges have raised concerns about civilian safety, regional stability and the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict. International observers have urged all parties to protect civilian infrastructure and comply with international humanitarian law as the crisis unfolds.
