Iran says US strike hits aid flight at Mashhad airport

A US airstrike at Iran's Mashhad airport on Monday damaged a Mahan Air aircraft, potentially disrupting a mission to India to collect humanitarian aid, Iranian officials claimed. The plane was reportedly scheduled to fly to New Delhi this week to pick up essential medical supplies and aid for Iranian people, they said. US officials have not yet corroborated the claim. The officials from Tehran said the aircraft was damaged during a US strike on Mashhad airport on Monday.  The plane was reportedly scheduled to fly to New Delhi later this week to collect medical supplies and relief material. The aircraft was expected to arrive in the Indian capital on April 1 to pick up essential medical supplies for people affected by the war, the report added. India sent the first consignment of medical supplies to Iran through the Iranian Red Crescent Society on March 18. The Iranian embassy in New Delhi acknowledged the gesture and thanked Indians for their support.

India has increasingly emerged as a key provider of humanitarian assistance in recent years, with the latest aid coming as West Asia grapples with the fallout of the US-Israel military campaign that began on February 28. Support for Iran has also come from within India, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir, where locals have contributed to relief efforts. Youth in Shia-dominated areas went door to door collecting contributions for those affected by the conflict, with most donations coming from Budgam and Baramulla districts.
Mahan Air is a privately-owned Iranian airline that operates flights in several countries in West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia.