TEHRAN - The scale of civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact of the U.S.-Israeli war of aggression against Iran is deeply shocking, Vincent Cassard, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Iran, has said, describing images from the strikes as heartbreaking.

The toll on civilians and the destruction of essential services they depend on is deeply distressing, Cassard said in an exclusive interview with IRNA, released on Wednesday.

He noted that images of the ruined girls’ school in Minab and the coffins of numerous children had left a profound emotional impact on him.

The ICRC official said that although he has so far witnessed the situation directly only in Tehran, the reports he receives from both his team and the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) on casualties, damage and devastation are extremely alarming.

Cassard stressed that civilians must be protected from attacks, and that vital services such as hospitals must remain offlimits to strikes, adding that international humanitarian law is unequivocal on this point.

He praised the IRCS for its nationwide emergency response since the start of the escalation on February 28, describing their roundtheclock efforts as remarkable.

According to Cassard, the IRCS teams have been providing emergency assistance and medical care, conducting searchandrescue operations, and supporting affected communities in multiple ways.

Their commitment, he said, reflects the true spirit of humanitarianism, and the ICRC is working closely with them to provide all possible support.

Cassard expressed deep sorrow over reports that several Iranian Red Crescent staff had been injured in the line of duty and that one responder had lost his life. The loss of any humanitarian worker is a tragedy, not only for their families and colleagues, but also for the communities who rely on their presence and support, he said.

He emphasized that first responders, humanitarian workers and the vehicles and facilities they use must be respected and protected at all times, a message the ICRC has repeatedly underscored, including earlier this year.

Cassard said the ICRC has communicated its readiness to expand assistance in coordination with Iranian authorities and the IRCS. He added that the deployment of additional specialized personnel would further strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver rapid and effective support on the ground, should relevant authorities facilitate their entry.