Health diplomacy helped secure medical supplies during war on Iran: FM Araghchi

Speaking at a ceremony in Iran’s Health Ministry on cooperation between diplomacy and healthcare for rebuilding war-damaged infrastructure, Araghchi said health diplomacy includes technology transfer, medicine and medical equipment procurement, and other forms of international cooperation.

He said securing and transferring essential medical supplies into Iran during wartime was among the Foreign Ministry’s most difficult tasks, adding that Iranian missions abroad worked closely with the Health Ministry.

Araghchi also highlighted financial assistance from Iranian expatriates, saying millions of dollars in donations were collected during and after the war. He said donations also came from Muslims, Shia communities, and supporters of the Islamic Revolution.

According to Araghchi, 25 ambulances arrived from one neighboring country alone, while other donated supplies were transferred to Iran.

The Foreign Ministry subsequently sought to channel the donations into specific reconstruction projects, Araghchi said, adding that Iranian expatriates had nearly covered the estimated cost of rebuilding a hospital in Ahvaz.

He added that Foreign Ministry employees had also contributed part of their salaries to the reconstruction of a hospital in Andimeshk.

Araghchi said coordination had also been established with the Iranian Red Crescent Society to facilitate the clearance and delivery of donated medical supplies.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the foreign minister said Iran had demonstrated its resilience during the recent war, surprising officials in other countries with its ability to withstand US pressure and ultimately push its adversary toward negotiations. Referring to the US president’s initial call for unconditional surrender, Araghchi said the same enemy sought talks 20 days later. He added that Iran had defended its rights through both military resistance and diplomacy while preserving its dignity and honor./irna