US Strike Reportedly Damages Aircraft at Mashhad Airport
A major international controversy has emerged after Iran claimed that a United States airstrike damaged an aircraft that was scheduled to travel to India as part of a humanitarian mission. According to Iranian authorities, the aircraft was stationed at Mashhad International Airport when the alleged strike occurred.
The plane, operated by Mahan Air, was reportedly preparing for a humanitarian operation linked to India. Iranian officials said the aircraft was due to fly to New Delhi to collect medical supplies and other aid materials intended for people affected by ongoing crises in Iran.
The reported strike has raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian aviation operations and intensified tensions in the region.
Aid Mission to India Disrupted
According to reports, the aircraft was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi in early April to collect essential humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment. The mission was part of humanitarian coordination between India and Iran aimed at supporting relief efforts.
Iranian sources claimed the aircraft was hit while it was parked at the airport, which disrupted the planned mission. However, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or the extent of the damage to the aircraft.
Officials said the incident could affect future humanitarian logistics between the two countries.
Iran Calls Incident a ‘War Crime’
Iran strongly condemned the alleged attack and described it as a violation of international law. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran stated that targeting a civilian aircraft carrying humanitarian supplies constitutes a serious breach of aviation and humanitarian regulations.
In a statement shared by Iranian officials, the incident was described as a “war crime,” accusing the United States of targeting a civilian aircraft involved in humanitarian assistance.
Iranian authorities demanded accountability and called on international organizations to investigate the incident.
US Yet to Confirm the Strike
While Iranian officials insist that the aircraft was damaged during a US airstrike, American authorities have not confirmed the claim. Reports indicate that Washington has not issued an official statement verifying Iran’s allegations.
Analysts say the incident comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where military activity and political disputes continue to affect regional stability.
The uncertainty surrounding the strike has prompted calls for an independent investigation to determine exactly what happened at the airport.
Humanitarian Cooperation Between India and Iran
The disrupted mission comes shortly after India sent humanitarian assistance to Iran. Earlier this month, India dispatched medical supplies through the Iranian Red Crescent Society to support humanitarian relief efforts.
Iran’s embassy in New Delhi had previously thanked the people of India for their support during the crisis. The damaged aircraft was reportedly scheduled to arrive in the Indian capital to collect additional supplies for distribution in Iran.
Experts warn that incidents affecting humanitarian missions could complicate international aid operations and diplomatic relations in the region.
