Ethics in Action: Lessons from the Recent War against Iran for Nurses in Sudden Crises

Abstract

Sudden increases in violence in previously stable areas, such as the recent war against Iran, pose extensive ethical challenges for nurses who are suddenly confronted with wartime conditions. Unlike traditional war zones with well-developed humanitarian infrastructures, these sudden crises require nurses to quickly adapt to crisis situations in which ethical decisions are subject to time pressure, resource scarcity, and psychological stress. This article examines ethical issues such as patient prioritization (triage), equitable distribution of limited resources, and others. Lessons from the recent imposed war are presented to improve nurses' preparedness for unexpected crises, emphasizing that nursing care must remain based on compassion and justice, even in the most difficult circumstances