24 health workers killed in Iran since start of US-Israeli offensive

At least 24 medical personnel have lost their lives in Iran since the start of the US-Israeli joint military offensive on Feb. 28, the Mehr news agency reported. The casualties include doctors, nurses, and technicians serving in various departments across the country.

Jafar Miadfar, the head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services Organization, told the news agency that three of those killed were staff members of the 115 Emergency Service. The remaining 21 victims worked in other medical capacities, including hospital physicians and clinical technicians, according to the official.

Health care infrastructure under strain

The deaths add to the growing toll on Iran's health care system, which has been under severe pressure since the conflict began. The US-Israeli offensive has targeted multiple sites across Iran, with Tehran launching retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Israel and US military assets in the region. The war has now entered its second month, with both sides continuing exchanges.

International concern over medical worker safety

The killing of health care personnel in armed conflicts raises serious concerns under international humanitarian law, which grants special protection to medical workers and facilities. The reported deaths come as other regional actors, including Lebanon and Gaza, have also documented significant casualties among medical staff amid the wider Middle East escalation that began in late February.