SAEDNEWS: Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, has denounced the widespread destruction caused by ongoing US-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure across Iran, describing them as clear war crimes targeting defenseless civilians.
According to SAEDNEWS, Koulivand reported that since the onset of what he described as unjust aggression, more than 85,176 civilian sites have been damaged either directly or indirectly, none of which had any military purpose.
Of these, around 64,583 were residential units and 19,694 were commercial properties, all entirely civilian in nature. He noted that 26,717 of the damaged units are located in Tehran, which has experienced the heaviest impact.
He further stated that 282 medical facilities—including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and health centers—have been struck. Some, such as Motahari Hospital, have been completely rendered inoperable. He described these actions as clear examples of war crimes.
Additionally, 600 schools have sustained damage, including Minab School in southern Iran. Seventeen Red Crescent branches and bases have also been targeted, among them a highway toll base on the Tehran–Qom road.
Despite injuries among personnel, emergency services continued operating immediately using mobile units.
Koulivand highlighted significant losses in relief infrastructure, including the complete destruction of three emergency helicopters, 48 rescue vehicles, and 46 ambulances. He also reported that airports, passenger aircraft, and fuel depots in various regions, including Tehran, were targeted.
According to his statement, 66 children under the age of five have been killed, and approximately 3,000 women were injured while inside their homes. Many residential areas have been entirely destroyed.
He emphasized the strong response of the Red Crescent Society, noting that pre-established planning allowed rapid response teams across the country to be deployed within 14 minutes of any incident. These teams begin rescue and relief operations immediately upon arrival.
In Tehran alone, more than 680 people have reportedly been rescued alive from beneath the rubble and transferred to medical centers. Search operations continue until all victims are recovered, and rescue teams remain on site until their work is complete.
Koulivand also stressed the high morale of rescue workers, stating that even after 25 days of continuous operations, emergency personnel remain motivated and tireless.
He noted widespread public support during the holy month of Ramadan, with significant donations of relief supplies and participation from prominent individuals in rescue efforts.
International assistance has also been received through the Red Crescent. Russia has sent medical supplies and is preparing an additional shipment of 300 tons. China, Tajikistan—providing around 600 tons of aid—and the Republic of Azerbaijan are among the countries that have contributed.
Koulivand added that coordination among various agencies has improved the effectiveness of response efforts.
The report comes amid a broader escalation, in which the United States and Israel allegedly launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran following the assassination of senior leadership figures on February 28. The attacks reportedly involved widespread aerial strikes targeting both military and civilian locations, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
In response, Iranian armed forces have conducted retaliatory operations, targeting U.S. and Israeli positions in the region using missiles and drones.
