Iran's medical crisis grows as war disrupts aid and supplies

Iran faces a growing healthcare emergency as months of conflict strain medical resources. Over 21, 000 people have been injured since late February when airstrikes began, with more than 1, 900 fatalities reported by international aid groups. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the only humanitarian organization operating nationwide, confirms three of its workers have died while on duty, including during a strike that destroyed a medical facility in Zanjan province. The situation feels more dangerous by the day. Videos from Tehran show empty streets, where fear of bombings keeps people indoors. Aid workers say civilians hesitate to seek help when they hear sirens. The Red Cross warns their ability to deliver supplies is shrinking as prices rise and donations fall short. They now need 40 million Swiss francs to keep their operations running, but only 6% of that amount has been received so far.Even the agency’s own team struggles to stay safe. Some employees sleep at their offices to be ready for emergencies. Meetings are constantly interrupted by evacuation alarms, sometimes up to six times in a single day. Basic tasks like handling documents become difficult when power outages and internet blackouts hit mid-conversation. Supplies that once arrived from Dubai now face delays because Iran closed a key shipping route in response to the attacks. Workers share heartbreaking stories. One rescue volunteer learned his own family was buried under rubble he had just cleared. Despite these challenges, the team refuses to quit. They have rescue teams in all 31 provinces, along with helicopters and trained dogs, ready to assist wherever the next strike lands. The biggest question now is whether enough countries will step up to fund this crisis. Without urgent donations, the Red Cross may need to raise their financial appeal even higher. Time is running out for both the wounded and the volunteers trying to save them.