By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday issued a stark warning as major military operations intensify across the Middle East, cautioning that the region and the world risk being drawn into an "irreversible" conflict.
"The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region—and the world—in a war with irreversible consequences," Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.
Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.
She stressed that the international community cannot continue absorbing conflict without limit. "The world cannot absorb limitless war. Upholding international humanitarian law is not a choice—it is an obligation."
Calling for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, Spoljaric underlined the need for all sides to respect international law.
“Civilians must be spared from the conduct of hostilities. Medical personnel and first responders must be allowed to carry out their lifesaving work safely. This includes our colleagues at the Iranian Red Crescent Society. It also includes those at (Israeli emergency services) Magen David Adom," she said.
The ICRC confirmed that it has delegations in both Iran and Israel and is scaling up its operations to meet increasing humanitarian needs.
Spoljaric, however, emphasized that aid alone cannot solve the crisis, saying: "No humanitarian response can substitute for political will to prioritise peace, stability and human life."
Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn the US aggression and to hold accountable those who violate international law.
Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.