Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has highlighted the role of health diplomacy in securing medicines and medical equipment during the recent war, saying all Iranian diplomatic missions abroad have been tasked with supporting the country's healthcare system. 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.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi emphasized the Foreign Ministry's challenges in securing and transferring essential medical supplies into Iran during wartime, highlighting the close collaboration between Iranian missions abroad and the Health Ministry. He also noted the significant financial assistance from Iranian expatriates, reporting that millions of dollars in donations were collected during and after the war, with contributions coming from Muslims, Shia communities, and supporters of the Islamic Revolution.

Araghchi revealed that 25 ambulances arrived from one neighboring country alone, and other donated supplies were transferred to Iran. The Foreign Ministry aimed to channel these donations into specific reconstruction projects, with Iranian expatriates nearly covering the estimated cost of rebuilding a hospital in Ahvaz. Additionally, Foreign Ministry employees contributed part of their salaries to the reconstruction of a hospital in Andimeshk.

Coordination was also established with the Iranian Red Crescent Society to facilitate the clearance and delivery of donated medical supplies, Araghchi noted. He further stated that 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 commented on how the same enemy sought talks just 20 days later, underscoring Iran's defense of its rights through military resistance and diplomacy while maintaining its dignity and honor.