Iran Denounces US Attack Near Children's Hospital as a War Crime
The Iranian government has strongly condemned an American attack that occurred near the Syahid Baghaei Specialist Hospital in the city of Ahvaz on Thursday (16/7). The incident reportedly triggered panic at the facility, which treats children with cancer and patients with other serious medical conditions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei compared the attack to Israeli strikes on healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip. “This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israeli atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused great suffering and anxiety among the children being treated at the hospital and forced an emergency evacuation,” Baghaei said, as reported by Al Jazeera on Friday (17/7). He described the targeting of areas near a hospital as an unjustifiable act and “a cowardly war crime against the most innocent of people, children who are bravely fighting for their lives.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the condemnation, calling the US attack a war crime and denouncing the targeting of civilian areas. Araghchi argued that attacks on civilian infrastructure contravene the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law. He also took a swipe at nations that have criticised Iran’s retaliatory actions but remain silent on strikes against health facilities. “Those who incessantly preach human rights but deliberately turn a blind eye to the targeting of hospitals and medical centres have lost every shred of moral credibility,” Araghchi stated.
The hospital’s management confirmed the impact of the attack, revealing that 211 patients had to be evacuated to ensure their safety. A staff member noted that most of the evacuees were patients with serious illnesses requiring special care, including cancer patients dependent on oxygen and ventilators.
The incident has heightened fears that the conflict between the United States and Iran could escalate into a wider war. The latest flare-up also threatens to obstruct previous diplomatic efforts aimed at permanently ending the conflict. Washington and Tehran had previously reached a ceasefire agreement and signed a memorandum of understanding to halt fighting and conduct negotiations over a 60-day period. However, the renewed tensions have cast uncertainty over the future of the peace process.