After initial strikes on Saturday by the United States and Israel, leading to the death of Iran’s supreme leader, the volatile situation across several countries in the Middle East continues.
The BBC is reporting that Tehran’s Gandhi Hotel Hospital has been damaged following strikes by the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday.
RCN President Bejoy Sebastian said: “I’m deeply concerned about the escalating crisis in the Middle East. As UK nursing staff, we send our solidarity to all those affected and every health care worker dealing with the consequences.
“It’s vital that every party involved upholds international law and provides protection to health care workers and health infrastructure. Any killing, attack or intimidation of nursing staff or health care workers, under any circumstance or for any reason, is completely abhorrent and unacceptable.”
Attacks on health care workers and on health infrastructure is becoming more common in conflict zones around the world. These attacks place immense strain on those trying to deliver care amid deepening public health crises and civilian injuries and casualties.
“We’re calling upon the UK government to ensure it does everything in its power to uphold international law and urge all parties to de-escalate. We’ll also continue to pressure the UK government to support the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacking health care workers and facilities in conflict zones internationally.”
After the initial strikes, Iran has retaliated and attacked several Middle East countries, and UK and US military bases within the last 48 hours.
In October 2025, the RCN published its Care amongst the chaos report, which outlines the rising incidents of violence against staff and health facilities, and presents accounts from nursing staff working in war zones. It’s grounded in the fundamental principle that health care workers must be protected, not persecuted.
If you or your colleagues have been affected and need support, find out more information from our Member Support Services. If you need to discuss a workplace issue, get in touch with the RCN advice team.
