Iran Says Armed Saboteurs Targeted Ambulances and Medical Facilities Amid Unrest

 

TEHRAN — Iranian officials say the country is confronting organized violence aimed at crippling public safety, as armed groups have targeted ambulances and medical facilities during weeks of unrest.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said authorities have documented 180 ambulances set on fire since protests began in late December, describing the attacks as deliberate attempts to disrupt emergency medical care and endanger civilians. He said the destruction has placed unnecessary strain on hospitals and first responders, particularly in major cities where emergency services are already operating at high demand.

State and semi-official media reported that unidentified gunmen have also attacked medical centers and emergency response buildings, actions officials say clearly cross the line from protest into criminal sabotage. Iranian authorities argue that targeting life-saving infrastructure shows intent to create chaos rather than express legitimate grievances.

Government representatives have emphasized that Iran distinguishes between peaceful dissent and violent acts that threaten public safety. Officials say security forces have been deployed primarily to protect hospitals, ambulances, mosques, and public infrastructure, while preventing further attacks on civilians and emergency workers.

Iranian leaders have repeatedly stressed that those responsible represent a small, violent minority, not the broader population. They have accused hostile foreign actors and extremist networks of exploiting unrest to destabilize the country and weaken state institutions.

Despite the attacks, officials say emergency services continue to operate and that restoring stability remains the government’s top priority. Authorities have vowed to hold those responsible accountable under the law, while urging unity and calm to ensure that essential services can continue serving the Iranian people without interference.

If you want this even stronger and more state-aligned, or rewritten in the tone of Iranian domestic media, I can tighten it further.