Iran condemns ‘barbaric’ US attack near children’s cancer hospital

Iran's Foreign Ministry has leveled serious accusations against the United States following military strikes conducted near a specialized children's cancer treatment facility in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. According to Iranian officials, the strikes forced the emergency relocation of 211 patients who were receiving chemotherapy at the facility. Medical staff at the hospital described the blast as intense and occurring in such close proximity that personnel initially believed the hospital itself had been struck. Many patients were in vulnerable conditions at the time of evacuation, including those dependent on oxygen support, ventilators, and intravenous lines.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei characterized the incident as a "barbaric" attack and a "cowardly war crime," drawing comparisons to what Iran describes as Israeli targeting of healthcare facilities in Gaza. Hospital director Reza Bazar indicated that the strikes had rendered the medical facility unable to operate. The incident has intensified regional tensions, with concerns mounting that the conflict could escalate beyond current levels and complicate diplomatic efforts toward a negotiated resolution.

The broader military situation remains volatile. The US conducted additional strikes on Thursday while declining to comment specifically on the hospital incident. Iran responded by claiming to have targeted US military installations in Jordan and Kuwait. Gulf leaders have expressed heightened concern about the potential for further escalation. President Donald Trump has threatened additional strikes against Iranian infrastructure, specifically mentioning power plants and bridges, contingent on Iran's willingness to return to negotiations. Iran has countered with warnings of retaliatory strikes against civilian infrastructure in neighboring Gulf states.

Iranian officials have emphasized that deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure violates international law and typically constitutes a war crime. Baghaei criticized what he characterized as a double standard in international accountability, arguing that nations in the Global South face stricter expectations regarding adherence to international law during armed conflict, while powerful nations openly threaten violations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed these accusations, formally charging Washington with committing war crimes.