US Missile Strikes Near Iranian Children's Hospital Trigger Evacuations

Missile Strikes Near Hospital in Ahvaz

On Thursday, missile strikes by the US were reported near a children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, leading to the evacuation of patients, as stated by Iranian state media. The Mehr news agency indicated that the strikes occurred close to Shahid Baghaei Hospital, which specializes in chemotherapy for young cancer patients. Following the attacks, the hospital initiated a temporary evacuation, with medical personnel assisting in relocating patients away from the area. Additionally, the Fars news agency noted that multiple missiles impacted near the hospital, causing distress among patients and their families. Reports did not clarify if there were any injuries or if the hospital sustained damage.

This incident followed the US military's announcement of a second wave of strikes against Iran within a 24-hour period. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on social media that American forces targeted Iranian military assets believed to pose a threat to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated, "At 3 p.m. ET, U.S. forces launched operations for a second wave of strikes today against Iran," emphasizing that the military actions were under the directive of President Donald Trump. Earlier, CENTCOM had confirmed strikes on Iranian military installations, including coastal defense systems and missile storage sites on Greater Tunb island in the Strait of Hormuz. These military actions aim to diminish Iran's capacity to attack commercial shipping in this vital waterway, crucial for global oil and gas transport.

The recent strikes highlight the escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with both nations engaging in military operations after diplomatic efforts failed. Ahvaz, located in Iran's oil-rich Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border, has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict. In a statement to the Iranian public, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the situation as an "existential war" against the United States, accusing Washington of seeking to destabilize the Islamic Republic. Ghalibaf asserted that while Iran does not desire conflict, it must be ready for both military engagement and diplomatic negotiations. He emphasized that current negotiations should not be viewed as surrender but as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national interests. He concluded by stating that future actions would be determined by the country's supreme leader, urging collective efforts towards war, diplomacy, or both, as directed.