International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) spokesperson Scott Craig warned of a “desperate” humanitarian situation in Iran. The relief effort comes as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran looks to be on shaky ground, with both sides accusing each other of failing to respect the agreement.
The conflict has left more than 2,000 people dead over the past five weeks. Craig said needs will remain critical for a very long time due to large-scale damage to infrastructure and severe psychological impacts on the population.
The convoy includes around 200 trauma kits containing emergency medical supplies for bombing casualties. The Turkish Red Crescent has also sent four trucks carrying 48 tonnes of aid, including emergency shelters for displaced families, hygiene kits and first-aid supplies.
According to Turkish Red Crescent president Fatma Meric Yilmaz, roughly 3.6 per cent of Iran’s 90 million people have been displaced, while 62,000 homes and more than 20,000 businesses have been destroyed. The Iranian Red Crescent has also suffered “severe” losses, with 17 of its centres and nearly 100 ambulances damaged.
The shipment represents one of the first international humanitarian aid deliveries into Iran since the conflict began, according to Craig. Global supply chain disruptions, especially to maritime routes, have complicated procurement and transport efforts. Sending them overland from Turkey is an innovative way to move assistance into the country.