Iran has condemned a US airstrike that struck near a children's cancer hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, describing the attack as a "barbaric act" that endangered the lives of critically ill children and forced the emergency evacuation of more than 200 young patients.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the strike, carried out on Wednesday night, targeted an area close to Shahid Baqaei Hospital, causing panic and severe distress among children undergoing cancer treatment and their families.

According to Baghaei, hospital authorities were forced to urgently evacuate 211 pediatric cancer patients, many of whom were receiving chemotherapy at the time of the attack.

Baghaei said the strike inflicted "severe suffering and anxiety" on vulnerable children battling life-threatening illnesses, condemning the attack as another example of Washington's disregard for international humanitarian law.

He questioned the silence of countries and organizations that frequently present themselves as defenders of human rights while failing to condemn attacks that endanger medical facilities.

"Those who deliberately turn a blind eye to the targeting of hospitals have forfeited every shred of moral credibility," Baghaei said.

The Iranian official drew parallels between the incident and repeated attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, arguing that the international community has applied double standards when responding to attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Iranian officials said the strike near Shahid Baqaei Hospital illustrates the growing risks faced by civilians as military confrontation between Iran and the United States continues to intensify.

Authorities emphasized that hospitals and medical centers are protected under international humanitarian law and should never become targets or be placed at risk during armed conflict.

The evacuation of hundreds of child patients highlighted what Iranian officials described as the human cost of Washington's military campaign.

The incident comes amid escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier diplomatic efforts, including a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions.

As military exchanges continue, both sides have increasingly targeted strategic and military installations across the region. Iranian officials, however, warn that civilians are bearing the consequences of the escalating conflict.

Tehran has repeatedly maintained that it reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and people against what it describes as continued US aggression, while calling on the international community to condemn attacks that place civilian lives and essential medical facilities at risk. (ILKHA)