Tehran, March 2, 2026 — A major hospital in Iran’s capital was struck in a wave of air attacks on Sunday, leaving medical wards damaged, patients evacuated and chaos in the streets as the conflict between Israel and Tehran continues to escalate.
Video clips circulating on social media showed damaged corridors and debris strewn across the floors of Gandhi Hospital in northern Tehran after what Iranian state outlets called “Zionist-American air strikes.” Local witnesses told international news agencies that the hospital — one of the city’s key health facilities — had taken a direct hit and was badly damaged, forcing doctors and staff to rush patients out of harm’s way.
Footage from outside the hospital captured scenes of panic as civilians and medical personnel carried stretchers and a baby still in an incubator through dust and shattered glass. Smoke hung over parts of the complex, and ambulances lined the streets as emergency teams worked to evacuate the injured.
The attack on Gandhi Hospital came on the second day of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, launched after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during early strikes. According to international reports, the offensive has targeted military, intelligence and security infrastructure across Tehran and other cities.
Authorities in Israel say the strikes are aimed at degrading Iran’s military capability and pressure Tehran’s leadership. Iranian state media condemned the air strikes as a blatant violation of international law, highlighting that essential civilian facilities like hospitals should never be a target in armed conflict.
World health officials have also voiced concern. The World Health Organization’s director-general described the reported damage to the medical facility as “extremely worrying,” stressing that health care institutions are protected under international humanitarian law and must remain safe zones even amid warfare.
The broader clash has already expanded beyond Tehran. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and military bases across the Gulf region, according to global news agencies, prompting warnings from Western and regional powers about the risk of further escalation.
At this stage, the full number of casualties from the Gandhi Hospital strike has not been independently verified. Local reports indicate that several patients and medical staff were injured, but precise figures remain unclear as rescue operations continue.
As the smoke clears over parts of the city, the explosion at a facility meant to heal — not harm — is a stark reminder of how rapidly and tragically conflicts can engulf everyday life, displacing families and devastating vital infrastructure in their wake.
