Iran Calls US Hospital-Area Strike a "Cowardly Crime Against Children"

Iran has strongly condemned the United States following overnight airstrikes that it says struck near a child cancer treatment department at Shahid Baghaei Hospital, forcing the evacuation of patients receiving chemotherapy. Iranian officials described the incident as a serious attack on civilian infrastructure and accused Washington of endangering vulnerable children undergoing medical treatment. The allegations come amid heightened regional tensions and have drawn renewed attention to the impact of military operations on healthcare facilities.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denounced the reported strike, calling it a "barbaric attack" and a "cowardly crime against children." In statements shared publicly, Baqaei said the incident was "reminiscent of Israel's atrocities against healthcare facilities" and claimed the attack caused significant distress and anxiety among children admitted to the hospital. He alleged that patients receiving specialised cancer treatment were forced to leave the facility because of the security situation created by the strike.

According to Iranian officials, the affected hospital housed a chemotherapy unit that treated cancer patients, including children. Baqaei stated that 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy had to be evacuated following the reported attack. Iranian authorities said the evacuation disrupted critical medical care and created additional challenges for healthcare workers responsible for ensuring the safety of patients during the emergency.

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The Iranian government has portrayed the incident as a violation of international humanitarian principles, arguing that medical facilities and civilians should remain protected during armed conflicts. Officials have called for international attention to the reported strike and reiterated their criticism of military operations that they say threaten hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. No independent verification of Iran's claims was immediately available in the information provided.

The United States had not issued an official response to the specific allegations at the time of publication. As a result, Iran's account of the incident has not been independently corroborated, and the full circumstances surrounding the reported strike remain unclear. Further details are expected to emerge as additional information becomes available from official and international sources.

The latest exchange of accusations underscores the continuing volatility in the region, where escalating military actions have intensified diplomatic tensions and humanitarian concerns. International organisations have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting hospitals, medical personnel and patients during conflicts, with attacks on healthcare infrastructure carrying potentially severe consequences for civilians already affected by ongoing hostilities.

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