Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, Ali Jafarian, says more than 1,200 people have been killed in ongoing attacks carried out by the United States and Israel, with most of the victims reported to be civilians. He also noted that several health facilities across the country have been damaged by the air raids.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on Monday, Jafarian said at least 1,255 people have died since the attacks began, including about 200 children and 11 healthcare workers. According to him, the victims ranged in age from eight months to 88 years.
He added that more than 12,000 people have been injured, many suffering burns and crush injuries caused by the bombardment.
Jafarian said the attacks have also placed severe strain on the country’s healthcare system. So far, 29 medical facilities have been damaged, with 10 forced to shut down completely. In addition, 52 health centres, 18 emergency service locations, and 15 ambulances have reportedly been damaged or destroyed.
He also warned about the health risks linked to recent strikes on Iran’s oil facilities. Air attacks late Saturday triggered large fires at several fuel sites, sending thick smoke across parts of the capital, Tehran.
“The whole city was dark until the afternoon yesterday,” Jafarian said, describing how the smoke blanketed the sky over the city.
According to Iranian officials, the attacks struck several major oil storage locations, including the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in northeastern Tehran, the Tehran refinery in the south, and the Shahran oil depot in western Tehran.
Israel confirmed that it had targeted “a number of fuel storage facilities in Tehran,” saying the locations were used to support military infrastructure.
Jafarian warned that the smoke and pollution could cause serious respiratory problems, particularly among children and the elderly, and advised residents to remain indoors and keep their windows closed.
He also raised concerns about potential long-term environmental damage, saying pollution from the fires could lead to acid rain that may contaminate the soil.
“This is not a military issue… This is not a military target,” he said, insisting that many of the affected areas were civilian locations.
According to Jafarian, more than 200 cities across Iran have been hit since the attacks began on February 28.
Explosions were reported again on Monday in the cities of Qom and Tehran as the US and Israel continued their air campaign. Officials from both countries have indicated the conflict could last for several weeks, with analysts warning that there is currently no clear path to de-escalation.
