Tehran: Amid rising fears of war escalation following days of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the Iranian government has taken a decisive step to fortify its national medical response. The country’s deputy health minister has ordered all doctors and nurses currently on leave to immediately report back to their respective medical centers, signaling mounting concerns over possible mass-casualty scenarios.
The directive, issued by Deputy Health Minister for Treatment Seyed Sajjad Razavi, was confirmed through statements published by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency. Razavi emphasized that the presence of medical professionals is not only vital for providing life-saving treatment but also critical for maintaining the psychological stability and morale of frontline treatment teams. “All leave for doctors and nurses has been cancelled, and they have been asked to be continuously present at medical centres,” Razavi stated.
This urgent recall follows continued Israeli military operations targeting Iranian infrastructure and military assets, with reported casualties steadily climbing. While Iran has not released full official figures of the wounded, the government’s move reflects deep preparation for potentially higher casualty rates in the coming days. The health ministry has also circulated specialized medical guides on handling mass-casualty victims to hospitals and medical universities across the country.
Behind this decision lies a broader national concern: preparedness. With the region teetering on the edge of open warfare, Iran is mobilizing all available resources to brace for further attacks and disruptions. This includes reinforcing civilian infrastructure and ensuring that emergency response mechanisms are fully staffed and equipped. The Ministry of Health has also pledged continued support to its staff, encouraging unity during what it calls “a sensitive national moment.”
The backdrop to these actions is Iran’s deepening confrontation with Israel, marked by successive waves of drone and missile exchanges. As international calls for de-escalation grow, Tehran’s internal measures reveal just how seriously the leadership is taking the threat—not just in military terms, but in anticipating and preparing for the human cost of war.
