Humanitarian corridor negotiations between Red Crescent and ICRC

Senior officials from the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are reportedly in active negotiations to establish a humanitarian corridor in Iran's western border region, according to diplomatic sources briefed on the discussions. The proposed corridor would facilitate the movement of medical supplies, food, and civilian evacuees through Kermanshah Province, which has been affected by displacement since hostilities intensified.

The ICRC confirmed in a brief statement that "discussions are ongoing with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in the region regarding humanitarian access," but declined to provide specifics on location or timeline. Three diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the corridor would run from the Iraqi border crossing at Khosravi to the city of Kermanshah, a distance of approximately 120 kilometers.

According to UNHCR estimates, approximately 45,000 civilians have been displaced from border areas in Kermanshah and Ilam provinces over the past two weeks, with many seeking refuge in temporary camps established by the Iranian Red Crescent. The World Health Organization has flagged concerns about medical supply shortages in the region, noting that the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences hospital is operating at 230% capacity.

The negotiations face significant challenges. Iranian authorities have historically been reluctant to accept international humanitarian presence in border regions, citing sovereignty concerns and intelligence risks. The IRGC maintains significant operational control over the western border zone, and any corridor agreement would require their approval. Similar negotiations during the 2003 Bam earthquake and the 2017 Kermanshah earthquake established precedents for ICRC access, but those occurred in non-conflict contexts. International humanitarian law experts note that establishing a humanitarian corridor during active hostilities requires agreement from all parties to the conflict — a condition that remains unfulfilled.