By Micah Jonah
March 3, 2026
Iranian authorities have urged global intervention after Iran reported damage to hospitals, schools, and humanitarian facilities from air strikes by the United States and Israel.
Civilian Infrastructure Targeted:
Officials said that strikes have affected Gandhi Hospital in Tehran, as well as Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Motahari Hospital, and Valiasr Hospital, forcing evacuations and the transfer of patients. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that nearby medical and humanitarian facilities were impacted, though no direct hits on hospitals were confirmed.
Videos from state media showed damage to hospital infrastructure, including the in-vitro fertilisation department at Gandhi Hospital, where staff had to relocate cells and embryos. Smoke and debris were visible after the attacks on multiple sites in Tehran.
Humanitarian Response:
Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to condemn strikes on medical and educational centers and implement monitoring mechanisms under the Geneva Conventions.
ICRC President, Mirjana Spoljaric emphasized that civilian infrastructure must be spared and medical personnel allowed to work safely.
Civilian Casualties:
Iranian authorities reported at least 555 deaths nationwide, including significant casualties among children. A girls’ school in Minab city recorded 165 deaths and 95 injuries, mostly children. Other casualties were reported in attacks on a high school in Tehran and a sports center in Lamerd.
Education International condemned the attacks, stating that children, teachers, and schools “must never be military targets” and called the incidents “grave breaches of international humanitarian law.”
Context:
The attacks come amid ongoing conflict following the killing of Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials, escalating tensions in the region. Iranian authorities are demanding international oversight to prevent further damage to civilian and humanitarian infrastructure.
