The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed serious concern over escalating military operations in the Middle East, following joint US–Israel airstrikes on Iran in the early hours of 28 February.

The humanitarian organisation warned that the intensifying conflict could set off a “dangerous chain reaction” across the region, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians. It called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of non-combatants.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric emphasised that “upholding the rules of war is an obligation and not a choice.” She underscored that, under international humanitarian law, including all four Geneva Conventions, civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, homes, and schools must be spared from attack, and medical personnel and first responders must be allowed to carry out their work safely.

The ICRC maintains teams on the ground in Iran, Israel, and other parts of the region, working alongside Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to respond to urgent humanitarian needs. However, Spoljaric warned that “humanitarian aid cannot match the pace or scale of suffering caused by continuous conflict,” stressing that political action is essential to prevent further death and destruction.

The statement comes amid growing international concern over recent US–Israel military operations in Iran, which have heightened regional tensions and raised fears of a broader humanitarian crisis.