Micah Jonah
March 22, 2026
The family of Mahdi Mirzahosseini, a 41-year-old butcher in Tehran, continues to search for him after his shop, surrounding complex were destroyed in what neighbours described as a double strike during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Mirzahosseini, who recently opened his own butcher shop to serve customers for the Persian New Year, has not been seen since the attack on Monday. Rescue teams, including a tractor and first responders from the Iranian Red Crescent Society, have recovered six bodies and rescued 18 survivors, but he remains the only missing person.
The complex, which had no military connections, was one of over 80,000 civilian structures reportedly hit since the three-week-old war began, according to Pir-Hossein Kolivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. He said nearly 500 schools and 266 medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, have also been damaged.
First responder Amir Saeed-Jamshidi described the scene as catastrophic, with a crater surrounded by rubble and fire. Rescue teams dug tunnels to reach survivors trapped in the underground garage.
Despite repeated warnings from his mother to stay safe, Mirzahosseini insisted on opening his shop for customers. His brothers Hamid and Khalil continue to search the site daily, holding out hope for his survival.
“God willing we will find him safe,” Khalil said, standing near the remains of the butcher shop with his infant.
The incident highlights the rising toll of civilian casualties and destruction in the Iran conflict, amid continuing US and Israeli airstrikes.
