Key facts
- US missiles struck near Shahid Baghaei Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran.
- The hospital, which treats cancer patients including children, was temporarily evacuated.
- US Central Command stated the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US military conducted a second wave of strikes against Iran within 24 hours.
US missile strikes landed near a children's cancer hospital in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz, prompting the evacuation of patients, according to Iranian state media. Shahid Baghaei Hospital, which provides chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients, including children, began a temporary evacuation after the strikes, with medical staff moving patients away from the facility. Several missiles reportedly struck near the hospital, causing panic among patients and their families, and children undergoing cancer treatment were relocated. The incident occurred after the US military announced a second wave of strikes against Iran within 24 hours. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that American forces launched operations targeting Iranian military capabilities that were allegedly being used to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM added that the US military was holding Iran accountable under the direction of President Donald Trump. Earlier strikes targeted Iranian military assets on Greater Tunb island in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at reducing Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels. These developments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides conducting military actions following the collapse of diplomatic efforts. Ahvaz, the capital of Iran's Khuzestan province, has been affected by the ongoing conflict. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated Iran was engaged in an 'existential war' with the United States.