Since Friday, Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran has seen a steady influx of wounded, which turned into a flood by Sunday night following intensified Israeli airstrikes. A doctor described the scene as a “bloodbath,” with emergency rooms overwhelmed by casualties, including children, the elderly, and grieving families.

“It was chaos,” the doctor told The Guardian, requesting anonymity. “Mothers with shrapnel wounds carried in their injured children. Many didn’t realize they were hurt themselves.”

Medical staff described severe injuries: internal bleeding, burns, and metal lodged deep in bones. As the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day, hospitals across Iran became inundated. Iran reported 1,277 hospitalizations and 224 deaths, though sources suggest the real toll may be higher.

Efforts to contain information were evident—staff were instructed not to share casualty figures, and authorities denied journalists access to data. The Iranian health ministry reported over 90% of casualties were civilians, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed strikes only targeted Iranian government facilities.

Iran accused Israel of bombing a hospital in Kermanshah and hitting state media facilities. In Israel, Iranian missile strikes have killed at least 17 people, including three children.

Doctors expressed fear and exhaustion as the bombardment continued. “This feels like a war zone,” one said. “We’re working without rest, and more bodies keep coming.”

Despite reports of Iran seeking mediation via Gulf states, there are no signs of de-escalation on the ground.