The Iranian Red Cross Society has continued to push forward with life‑saving aid distribution to affected communities across the country. This is despite the unrelenting barrage of strikes that have gripped Iran since late February 2026,
War casualties mount as Iranian Red Cross Society struggles
According to the Iranian RCS, the hostilities have so far killed hundreds of people. It has also injured thousands and disrupted essential services for up to 60 million Iranians.
In response, the Iranian Red Crescent has mobilised thousands of responders on the ground. They will be conducting search and rescue operations, delivering medical aid, and distributing emergency relief.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society continues to support affected communities across Iran, delivering life‑saving assistance on the ground. However, humanitarian needs are growing rapidly.
The @IFRC recently increased the emergency appeal to 120 million Swiss Francs to support the…
— Jagan Chapagain (@jagan_chapagain) April 20, 2026
However, officials warn that the scale of human suffering now far outstrips the Society’s current capacity.
“Humanitarian needs are growing rapidly,” the Iranian Red Crescent said in an operational update.
IFRC raises emergency appeal to 120 million Swiss Francs
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recently increased its emergency appeal to 120 million Swiss Francs. The goal is to support the Iranian Red Crescent to scale up assistance for five million people directly affected by the war.
However, the appeal remains heavily underfunded. The IFRC has now called on the international community to show solidarity by backing the relief operations in Iran.
“We urge donors to support this Emergency Appeal, enabling the Iranian Red Crescent to expand its response in line with escalating needs,” the global network stated.
The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network comprising 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It stresses that local responders remain the first and last line of defence.
In a recent development, IFRC has warned that Middle East tensions, especially disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, are affecting aid delivery. The disruptions to air and maritime routes are forcing agencies to reroute shipments.