Iranian Humanitarian Flight Hit in Mashhad Amid US-Israel Strikes

A US airstrike has damaged an Iranian aircraft that was en route to India carrying humanitarian supplies, officials in Iran reported. The incident occurred at Mashhad Airport on Monday, potentially affecting the relief mission aimed at delivering critical medical aid to Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities stated that the aircraft, operated by “Mahan Air,” was scheduled to depart for New Delhi later this week. It was part of a humanitarian mission to transport essential medical supplies and assistance. While Iran has confirmed the damage, US officials have not yet verified the claim. The targeted flight was expected to arrive in New Delhi on April 1. Earlier, on March 18, India had sent the first batch of medical supplies to Iran through the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi expressed gratitude to the Indian people for their support. Since then, citizens across multiple cities have been contributing aid and relief materials to assist the Iranian population. Mashhad Airport, located in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province, serves both civilian and military purposes, making it a strategic target in the ongoing conflict. Iranian authorities confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage following the US strike. The US and Israel have been repeatedly targeting Israeli military sites, escalating tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US has already claimed over 3,000 lives in Iran, including prominent figures such as Ali Hosseini Khamenei.