An aircraft operated by Mahan Air was reportedly hit during a United States airstrike at Mashhad International Airport on Monday. The plane was said to be preparing for a humanitarian mission to New Delhi, carrying supplies like medicines and medical equipment.
According to news agency ANI report, the aircraft was scheduled to travel to India in the coming days as part of a relief effort. The damage has disrupted the plans and is expected to further delay the delivery of important humanitarian supplies. The incident also highlights the risks faced by non-military flights operating in sensitive regions during the conflict.
Iran Condemns The Attack
Civil Aviation Organisation of Iran hascondemned the attack, calling it a "war crime" and a clear violation of international law. The agency has called on international bodies to urgently address this act and "prosecute those responsible." In a post on X, Iran Embassy in India wrote, " Civil Aviation Organization of Iran: The attack on an Iranian aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment constitutes a war crime and a clear violation of international law. The Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemned the Israeli–American attack on an Iranian civilian aircraft transporting medicines and medical equipment from several countries to Iran, which had landed at Mashhad Airport."
"The Organization’s statement emphasized that targeting civilian aircraft engaged in humanitarian missions is a blatant violation of international aviation regulations and contrary to the principles of humanitarian law," the post added.
The development comes at a time when India and Iran have been working together on humanitarian support. Earlier this month, India had sent aid to Iran, reflecting their long-standing civilisational and humanitarian ties.
No Confirmation From US
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the US about the reported strike. However, if confirmed, the incident could further increase tensions between Washington and Tehran, which already have a strained relationship.
A privately-owned Iranian airline, Mahan Air operates flights in several countries in West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia. The US has imposed sanctions on the airline, accusing it of having links with Iran’s military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
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