Médecins Sans Frontières says escalating regional conflict is increasing humanitarian needs in Iran and Lebanon, prompting the organisation to adapt its medical programmes and prepare emergency assistance.
March 2026- Médecins Sans Frontières has expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation of conflict across the Middle East following strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory actions across several countries. The humanitarian medical organisation said it is adapting its programmes in the region while closely monitoring the rapidly evolving humanitarian situation.
According to MSF, the surge in violence has created widespread fear among millions of civilians as bombing continues across multiple cities and villages, often affecting densely populated areas and resulting in rising casualties. The organization urged all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other essential infrastructure at all times.
In Lebanon, thousands of people have reportedly been displaced as a result of the escalating conflict. For many residents in southern Lebanon and other parts of the country, evacuation orders have revived painful memories of previous displacement.
MSF confirmed that its teams in both Iran and Lebanon are safe and that the organization is assessing how best to respond to the growing humanitarian needs. Medical supplies are currently positioned in both countries and are ready for use or distribution if required.
Prior to the recent escalation that began on 28 February, MSF had been operating three projects in Iran, providing essential healthcare services to marginalised populations. These programmes included approximately 6,000 medical consultations per month, along with midwifery services, infectious disease screening and treatment, and mental health support. Despite operational challenges caused by airstrikes and communication disruptions, some of these activities have continued.
However, the organization reported that communication with staff remains extremely difficult. Its clinic in Tehran is temporarily closed due to heavy bombing, while facilities in Mashhad and Kerman remain open but are operating with reduced personnel. MSF teams are seeking authorization from local authorities to expand emergency healthcare support, including opening clinics around the clock and assisting the local health system. Approval for these measures is still pending.
In Lebanon, MSF teams are adjusting their activities to meet the needs of displaced communities while maintaining regular healthcare services. Since 4 March, a mobile clinic has been delivering medical consultations and psychological first aid in Saida in southern Lebanon, where shelters are reportedly operating beyond capacity.
The organisation has also begun supplying clean water to shelters in Beirut and conducting assessments in Beirut, Rashaya and other locations to expand mobile clinics and medical supplies. MSF said it remains in contact with relevant authorities to provide additional assistance where required.
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Elsewhere in the region, MSF teams in Gaza and the West Bank in Palestine continue to address growing medical and mental health needs. In Iraq, the organisation has medical supplies available that can be deployed or distributed across the region if necessary.
“The escalation in conflict comes after 15 months of a ‘ceasefire agreement’ that never brought real safety for people in Lebanon,” says Francesca Quinto, MSF programme manager. “The latest strikes and evacuation orders to all of Beirut’s southern suburbs, and almost all of the south of the country, are now forcing even more people to flee. And there is nowhere safe to go.”
“Families who were slowly beginning to recover from previous fighting are being told to leave their homes,” says Quinto. “Some have been stranded on the roads with children, elderly relatives, and sick family members, facing extremely harsh conditions.”
