Following a second wave of US strikes on Iranian military capabilities, a social media post circulated claiming that American forces bombed Ahvaz’s Shahid Baqaei Children’s Hospital. This allegation quickly gained traction online, sparking concerns about potential civilian casualties at a medical facility.
The unverified claim originated from a post by MintPress News on X (formerly Twitter), which asserted that a US missile had struck Iran’s Ahvaz Children’s Hospital, warning of "fears of a civilian massacre." This emerged amid ongoing US military operations in Ahvaz and surrounding areas. Previous incidents near Abuzar Children’s Hospital and other medical sites had already necessitated patient transfers.
MintPress News, an outlet known for its critical stance on US foreign policy, highlighted the potential risks to civilians due to military actions in proximity to populated areas. Ahvaz, a significant city in Iran’s Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border, has been impacted by the conflict.
The rumor surfaced shortly after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a second series of strikes aimed at Iranian military assets that they stated were threatening maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated on X that US forces had initiated operations for a second wave of strikes against Iran, holding the nation accountable under President Donald Trump’s direction.
Assessment of the Claim:
The assertion that US forces bombed Iran’s Ahvaz Children’s Hospital is misleading. Available information does not indicate that the hospital was directly hit by US forces.
The MintPress News post goes beyond established facts by stating the US "bombed Ahvaz Children’s Hospital." Reports indicate that nearby military strikes caused shockwaves and debris that affected the hospital. However, there is no credible evidence to suggest that the hospital itself was the intended target or was directly struck by US forces.
Iranian officials and local media reported explosions occurring in the vicinity of Ahvaz’s Shahid Baqaei Children’s Cancer Hospital. These blasts reportedly shattered windows and led to the temporary evacuation of patients. However, these reports do not specify that the hospital was the intended target or that a missile directly impacted the building.
Simultaneously, CENTCOM detailed its targeting of Iranian military sites, including command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal radar installations connected to threats in the Strait of Hormuz. No hospitals or medical facilities were listed among CENTCOM’s targets.
Based on the available information, while the hospital was impacted by nearby strikes, there is no evidence that the US military directly bombed it.