Russia has announced plans to send 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Iran as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, according to a report by AzerNEWS.
The aid shipment will be delivered through Azerbaijan and handed over to Iranian authorities for distribution to civilians affected by the ongoing crisis.
According to EMERCOM, the country’s emergency ministry, the humanitarian mission is being carried out on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and coordinated by the minister overseeing the agency, Alexander Kurenkov.
Officials say the shipment includes first-aid kits and other essential medical materials intended to support hospitals and emergency services.
Speaking at a briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the humanitarian situation in Iran as “extremely challenging”.
“We assess the humanitarian situation in the Middle East as extremely challenging,” she said. “According to the authorities, the number of victims among the Iranian civilian population due to military actions has reached thousands.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that attacks on medical infrastructure in Iran are disrupting healthcare services and could worsen the humanitarian situation.
In a related development, Azerbaijan has already delivered humanitarian assistance to Iran through the Astara border crossing, including food, water and about two tonnes of medical supplies.
Russia has repeatedly called on the United States and Israel to exercise restraint and return to negotiations in order to reduce tensions and protect civilians.
Officials say the medical aid shipment highlights Moscow’s effort to provide humanitarian support as the regional crisis continues.
