Airstrikes hit Tehran hospital, forcing infant evacuation amid escalating conflict

2026-03-02 - 03:32

Airstrikes struck Gandhi Hospital in northern Tehran on Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation in the second day of joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran. Iranian state media reported that what they described as "Zionist-American air strikes" targeted the medical facility, leaving parts of the building damaged and forcing emergency evacuations of patients, including newborn infants. Evacuations and Destruction Video footage circulating on social media and confirmed by Iranian news agencies showed nurses clutching babies as they rushed to evacuate hospital wards amid blaring alarms. Debris littered the floors between wheelchairs and medical equipment. Tasnim News Agency published clips of healthcare workers moving newborns to safety following what witnesses described as direct hits to the facility. The full extent of casualties at the hospital remains unclear. Escalating Conflict Context The hospital strike follows Saturday's joint US-Israeli attack that reportedly killed several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran's Islamic Republic of Broadcasting headquarters was also targeted Sunday evening, though state television remained on air. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel, US assets, and Gulf countries including the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to avenge Khamenei's death as regional tensions spiral. Broader Military Campaign The operation has targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, police headquarters in Rey on Tehran's outskirts, and ballistic missile sites. At least three US troops have been killed in action, while casualties mount across multiple nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing and expressed condolences, as diplomatic efforts appeared to collapse amid the widening conflict.