The closure of air and sea routes has complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid to people displaced by the conflict.
Published on 14 April 2026
Aid groups have said they are seeking to boost humanitarian relief shipments to Iran as the effects of the United States–Israel war hit the population.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Tuesday it had delivered “life-saving” aid and medical supplies, one of the first humanitarian shipments since the war began.
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The shipment entered the country via Turkiye on Sunday, IFRC spokesman Tommaso Della Longa said in a statement. He stressed that Iran faces a deep humanitarian crisis after nearly six weeks of conflict that has left more than 3,000 people dead and displaced more than 3.2 million, according to Iranian officials.
“The operation is critical because the humanitarian supply chain in Iran has been severely disrupted in recent weeks due to the conflict, making it harder and more expensive to deliver essential medical and relief items to those in need,” the spokesperson said.
The convoy departed from the Turkish capital Ankara on Friday carrying about 200 trauma kits containing tents and blankets as well as emergency medical supplies.
‘The needs are great’
The Turkish Red Crescent Society separately sent four trucks carrying 48 tons of aid, including emergency shelters, hygiene kits and first aid supplies.
“The needs are enormous, especially the medical needs, but the psychological impact on people is also enormous,” Della Longa said.
He said the toll on the Iranian Red Crescent Society was extremely high, confirming that the organization had lost four relief workers in the line of duty.
Efforts to respond to humanitarian needs are increasing in Iran.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday it had sent 14 trucks from Jordan carrying household supplies for about 25,000 people, including mattresses, jerry cans, kitchen sets and solar lamps.
In addition, the ICRC said, 200 locally purchased generators and 100 motor pumps have been donated to the Iranian Red Crescent Society to assist in relief and rescue operations.
It said air and sea routes have been blocked by the conflict, making overland crossings through Turkey and Jordan vital for aid distribution.
The relief comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
According to Fatma Merik Yilmaz, president of the Turkish Red Crescent Society, about 3.6 percent of Iran’s 90 million people have been displaced, while 62,000 homes and more than 20,000 businesses have been destroyed.
