TEHRAN -The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) reported on Monday that at least 555 people have been killed across the country since joint US-Israeli airstrikes began on Saturday. The humanitarian organization stated that the military campaign, which marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities, has now impacted 131 cities across the Islamic Republic.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Under Fire

The humanitarian impact is growing as civilian infrastructure becomes increasingly caught in the crossfire. Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Beigi alleged that nine hospitals have sustained severe damage during the bombardment.

• Gandhi Hospital: Reports from Tehran indicate that the Gandhi Hospital in the northern part of the capital was hit on Sunday, with state media broadcasting footage of structural damage and the evacuation of newborns.
• Civilian Casualties: In one of the deadliest single incidents reported, state media claimed nearly 150 people were killed when a school in the southern city of Minab was struck.

Regional Escalation

The strikes, which the U.S. has dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” reportedly targeted high-level leadership and military assets. In response, Iran and its regional allies have launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. assets and cities in Israel and the Gulf.

The IRCS has placed over 100,000 rescuers on full alert and mobilized a network of nearly four million volunteers to provide emergency aid and psychosocial support as the conflict enters its third day.