Iran has accused the United States of launching a missile strike near a children's cancer hospital in the western city of Ahvaz, further intensifying tensions across the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
According to Iranian state media, the missile landed close to Shahid Baghaei Hospital, which houses a specialized pediatric cancer treatment unit. Authorities said the attack forced the evacuation of the hospital, with anxious parents and young patients gathering outside as emergency personnel shifted critically ill children to safer areas.
Hossein Kermanpour, head of the Iranian Health Ministry's public relations center, stated that only the most critical patients remain inside the hospital while emergency measures continue. Iranian officials condemned the alleged strike, describing it as a serious threat to civilian lives and healthcare infrastructure.
The reported incident comes as military hostilities have escalated following the collapse of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Explosions were reported across several Iranian cities, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Khondab, Khorramabad, and Ahvaz, amid continued missile exchanges.
Iran also recalled a previous U.S. strike in February that reportedly hit a school in Minab, causing significant civilian casualties. Washington had earlier acknowledged responsibility for that incident, stating it was an unintended mistake.
As of publication, the United States has not commented specifically on Iran's allegation regarding the hospital. U.S. Central Command has maintained that its operations are focused on Iranian military targets. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, highlighting the growing military confrontation between the two nations.
