MOSCOW/BAKU, Thursday, March 12, 2026 (WNP): Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) has delivered more than 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Azerbaijan for onward transfer to the people of Iran, as humanitarian efforts intensify amid the worsening regional crisis.

According to official statements, the aid shipment—consisting primarily of medicines and first-aid materials—was transported by a special aircraft operated by EMERCOM and delivered to Azerbaijan, where it will be handed over to authorized Iranian representatives for distribution to civilians in need.

Russian authorities said the humanitarian mission was carried out on the instructions of Vladimir Putin and under the direction of EMERCOM Minister Alexander Kurenkov. The delivery forms part of Moscow’s effort to assist Iranian civilians as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to strain the country’s healthcare system.

Officials noted that Azerbaijan is serving as a logistical transit corridor for the humanitarian cargo, enabling the supplies to be transferred safely to Iranian authorities. The route is considered a practical channel for aid shipments amid heightened military activity and disruptions across parts of the region.

The medical supplies are intended to help address urgent healthcare needs in Iran, where hospitals and medical infrastructure have reportedly come under severe pressure due to the escalating conflict and the growing number of casualties.

Iranian diplomats in Azerbaijan expressed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance and the cooperation of regional partners facilitating the delivery of relief supplies. The aid transfer also follows recent humanitarian shipments from Azerbaijan itself, which included food, drinking water and additional medical materials for affected communities.

The assistance underscores increasing humanitarian diplomacy in the region as countries seek to respond to the civilian impact of the conflict while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The delivery of Russian medical aid through Azerbaijan is expected to be followed by further humanitarian initiatives as international concern grows over the humanitarian situation in Iran and across the wider Middle East.