Tajikistan Sends 3,610 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Iran Amid Conflict with U.S., Israel

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has sent 3,610 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Iran, where civilian losses and displacement have mounted amid ongoing conflict. Tajikistan’s presidential office announced on Wednesday that the shipment includes 45 tonnes of medicine, large quantities of hygiene and medical supplies, children’s clothing, food, household goods, bedding, tents, construction materials and other essentials.

The aid convoy, consisting of 110 cargo trucks, has departed for Iran and is expected to arrive soon, according to the presidential office.

The war began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, according to Reuters. Since then, more than 1,300 people have been killed, while rescue teams and humanitarian agencies have struggled to respond under continued bombardment.

The United Nations refugee agency reported last week that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran. The World Food Programme warned this week that the conflict could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger by June, due to disrupted routes, higher shipping costs and inflation.

The World Health Organization confirmed 18 attacks on healthcare sites in Iran since the conflict began, with deaths among health workers and growing risks to public health.

Tajikistan and Iran share linguistic and cultural ties, and the aid shipment reflects regional concern over the human cost of the conflict. The delivery of medicine, food and shelter items is expected to provide some relief to affected civilians, particularly displaced families, though humanitarian agencies warn that needs will likely increase as the fighting continues.