6 May 2026
News Agency:News
IRCS and ICRC discuss humanitarian impact of U.S. seizure of medical supplies on the Touska Ship
TEHRAN, 27 February 2026 (IRCS) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is supporting the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) following the seizure of the Iranian container ship Touska by the United States, which was carrying a medical consignment belonging to the IRCS-affiliated Soha Helal company.
During a meeting between Raziyeh Alishavandi, Under Secretary‑General for International Affairs and International Humanitarian Law at the IRCS, and Vincent Cassard, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Tehran, the two sides discussed issues related to violations of international humanitarian law amid U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Ms. Alishavandi called on the ICRC to take effective measures to secure the release of the container ship Touska, which was transporting essential supplies for dialysis patients. “This attack, in addition to endangering the lives of civilian crew members, has disrupted the supply chain of vital medical items and has directly put patients’ health at risk,” Alishavandi said. She emphasized that the attack contradicts fundamental principles of international law, including the distinction between military and civilian targets, the obligation to exercise precaution in military operations, and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Ms. Alishavandi added that part of the cargo carried by the Touska consisted of raw materials for the IRCS‑affiliated Soha Helal company, which are used to produce essential medical supplies for patients. Furthermore, referring to the closure of the Iranian Hospital in Dubai, which is affiliated with the Iranian Red Crescent, by the United Arab Emirates, Alishavandi called for the reopening of the hospital and the removal of restrictions imposed on its staff. For his part, Mr. Cassard praised the efforts of Iranian Red Crescent volunteers and aid workers during the recent war against Iran, noting that the humanitarian consequences of the conflict remain significant, even though the situation now appears relatively stable. He assured that the ICRC will continue its follow‑up efforts to lift the seizure of the cargo through negotiations with U.S. authorities. Cassard also expressed regret over the closure of the Iranian Hospital in Dubai and voiced hope that a solution will be found to allow the hospital to resume its activities.
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