The head of the World Health Organization has warned that hospitals and medical personnel in Iran are being impacted by the ongoing conflict, following reports of damage to several health facilities.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said explosions near Motahari Hospital in Tehran caused damage to parts of the building and forced the evacuation of patients and staff on March 1.
In a post on X, Tedros said health facilities, workers and patients are increasingly being affected as the violence continues.
He added that two emergency medical centres in the cities of Sarab and Hamedan were also damaged, with at least two members of medical staff reported injured.
Tedros emphasised that hospitals and clinics play a critical role during crises and must be protected from the consequences of armed conflict. He urged all parties involved to ensure that medical facilities, healthcare workers and patients are not targeted or harmed.
Regional tensions have surged since the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran on Saturday. The attacks have reportedly killed nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks aimed at Israel and Gulf states hosting US military installations.