Iran Labels US Attack Near Ahvaz Children’s Hospital a “War Crime”

Details of the Attack and Emergency Evacuation of Shahid Baqaei Hospital Following the escalation of conflicts between Tehran and Washington, US airstrikes on areas in the city of Ahvaz last night caused widespread panic and the immediate evacuation of one of the city's vital medical centers. According to official reports, the target of these attacks was areas adjacent to the “Shahid Baqaei 2” hospital, which is known as a specialized center for pediatric hematology and oncology [1].

The intensity of the explosions and resulting tremors was such that medical staff were forced to evacuate 211 children with cancer, who were undergoing sensitive chemotherapy sessions, in the middle of the night [4]. Images released on social media show panicked parents carrying their children with IV drips and medical equipment away from the hospital building. Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences has confirmed that to protect the lives of patients, this center has been temporarily taken out of service and patients have been transferred to other medical facilities [2].

Harsh Reaction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “A Cowardly Crime Against Children” Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the US attack as “brutal” and “cowardly” in a sharp reaction to the incident. In a message published on the social media platform X, he stated that targeting the vicinity of medical centers is reminiscent of Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip [3]. Baghaei emphasized that this action is a clear example of a war crime against the most innocent human beings fighting for their lives.

The diplomatic spokesperson also criticized the international community for its silence regarding these actions, adding: “Those who constantly talk about human rights but consciously close their eyes to the targeting of hospitals have lost all their moral credibility” [1]. Iran has announced that it will pursue this matter through international legal institutions.

Escalation of Regional Tensions and Humanitarian Consequences This attack comes at a time when tensions in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz have reached their peak. Reports indicate that this operation was part of a new wave of extensive US attacks ordered by US President Donald Trump against Iran's military and logistical infrastructure [3]. In recent days, mutual clashes between the forces of the two countries have been reported, and Iran has also targeted US bases in neighboring countries in retaliatory attacks [4].

Experts warn that the entry of conflicts into urban areas and near sensitive civilian centers such as hospitals could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Although no direct fatalities among patients were reported in the Ahvaz incident, the interruption in the treatment process of children with cancer and the psychological pressure resulting from the emergency evacuation severely threaten the health of these vulnerable children [2]. The situation in Khuzestan and other southern provinces remains tense, and emergency forces are on full alert.