More Than 1,200 Killed in Ongoing Attacks
Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian has said that more than 1,200 people have been killed during the ongoing attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera on Monday, Jafarian revealed that at least 1,255 people have died since the bombardments began. He stated that the majority of those killed were civilians, including around 200 children and 11 healthcare workers.
According to him, the victims ranged widely in age—from an eight-month-old baby to an 88-year-old elderly person, highlighting the severe civilian impact of the attacks.
Thousands Injured in Bombardment
Jafarian also reported that more than 12,000 people have been injured during the strikes. Many victims suffered burn injuries and crush-related wounds, which he said were caused by collapsing structures and intense explosions during the air raids.
Emergency services and hospitals across the country have reportedly been overwhelmed as medical teams struggle to treat the large number of wounded civilians.
Healthcare System Under Pressure
The deputy health minister warned that the attacks have placed serious strain on Iran’s healthcare infrastructure.
According to the government’s health ministry data:
- 29 medical facilities have been damaged
- 10 hospitals or medical centres have completely shut down
- 52 health centres have been affected
- 18 emergency service stations have been damaged
- 15 ambulances have been destroyed or rendered unusable
Jafarian said these damages have complicated rescue operations and slowed emergency medical response in several regions.
Oil Facility Strikes Trigger Fires in Tehran
The attacks have also targeted major oil infrastructure across the country. Iranian officials say recent air raids struck several fuel storage sites, triggering large fires and heavy smoke across parts of the capital, Tehran.
Jafarian described the situation in the city after the attacks.
“The whole city was dark until the afternoon yesterday,” he said, explaining that thick smoke from the burning oil facilities covered much of the sky.
Among the locations reportedly hit were:
- Aghdasieh Oil Warehouse in northeastern Tehran
- Tehran Refinery
- Shahran Oil Depot
The fires from these facilities reportedly spread smoke across large areas of the capital, raising concerns about air pollution and public health risks for residents.
Growing Humanitarian Concerns
Officials warn that the continued attacks could worsen the humanitarian situation, especially as hospitals face equipment shortages and damaged infrastructure. Medical authorities say emergency teams are working to maintain services despite the challenges.
As the conflict escalates, international observers are closely watching the situation, with fears that further strikes could deepen the civilian toll and strain essential services across the country.
