Dhaka,  Monday
23 June 2025 , 01:01

Donik Barta

US Airstrikes Injure 11 at Iran Nuclear Site, Red Crescent Confirms

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Published At: 12:26:55am, 22 June 2025

Updated At : 12:26:55am, 22 June 2025

Photo: Collected

ছবি: Photo: Collected

Seven released from hospital as Iran's Red Crescent denies radiation leaks; separate Israeli attacks kill rescue workers, damage medical centers


Eleven people were injured following a reported U.S. airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to a statement released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The incident, which marks a dangerous escalation in regional tensions, has raised fresh concerns over the safety of critical infrastructure and humanitarian operations in the country.

The head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Koulivand, stated that while the injuries sustained were mostly minor, seven of the injured individuals have already been discharged from medical care. The organization did not specify the exact location of the strike or the specific nuclear facility involved but confirmed that there has been no detection of radiation or hazardous leakage at the affected sites.

“There is no evidence of any radioactive contamination at the nuclear facilities that were hit,” Koulivand assured during a press briefing, adding that emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to assess the situation and provide necessary aid.

Alongside the U.S. airstrike, Iran has also accused Israel of carrying out coordinated attacks on multiple civilian and humanitarian sites. Koulivand reported that three Red Crescent rescue workers lost their lives in Israeli strikes in different parts of the country. The attacks, according to him, also damaged vital equipment, including a Red Crescent helicopter that was engaged in humanitarian operations.

“This is a violation of international humanitarian law,” said Koulivand. “Targeting hospitals, medical centers, and even care facilities for individuals with disabilities is not only inhumane but a direct assault on the basic principles of humanitarian protection.”

The alleged strikes come amid escalating hostilities in the region, where both the United States and Israel have maintained a stance of pressuring Iran over its nuclear ambitions and strategic influence. While Washington has not formally confirmed responsibility for the strike, Iranian officials are pointing to the involvement of U.S. military aircraft in what they are describing as a deliberate act of aggression.

Iran’s nuclear program, which has long been at the center of international scrutiny, has previously been the target of sabotage and cyberattacks. However, direct military strikes on its facilities represent a significant shift in tactics and have triggered alarm both domestically and globally.

International observers and rights organizations are calling for immediate restraint from all parties, warning that continued attacks on civilian and humanitarian infrastructure could lead to a broader conflict and humanitarian catastrophe. The United Nations has yet to issue a formal response, but diplomatic channels are reportedly active behind the scenes to deescalate the situation.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Red Crescent has vowed to continue its humanitarian mission despite the risks. “We will not be deterred,” Koulivand declared. “Our teams will remain on the ground, providing aid and medical support to those in need, regardless of the dangers posed by military operations.”

The strikes have sparked outrage among the Iranian public, with calls for accountability and stronger defense of the nation’s sovereignty. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos showing damaged medical facilities and grieving families of the deceased aid workers.

In the aftermath, Iran’s military has been placed on heightened alert, and the country's foreign ministry has summoned envoys from countries believed to be involved in the attacks. Tehran has also indicated it will raise the issue in upcoming international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

As night fell, emergency teams continued their work at the bombed sites, while hospitals prepared for the possibility of further casualties. With tension running high and the specter of further escalation looming, the situation remains fragile and unpredictable.

Observers note that this latest round of violence could have far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy, especially with negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program already stalled. In the absence of a de-escalation strategy, humanitarian groups warn that civilians will continue to bear the brunt of political and military hostilities.

For now, the Red Crescent is urging international organizations to step in and protect humanitarian operations, calling for a clear commitment from global powers to respect the sanctity of medical and rescue services in times of conflict.

As investigations into the airstrikes continue, many in Iran and beyond wait anxiously to see whether this incident becomes a flashpoint or a warning shot that leads to meaningful diplomatic intervention.

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