WHO warns of health threat as strikes hit near Iran, Israel nuke sites

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus warns of escalating threats to public health as strikes hit near nuclear facilities in Iran and Israel. He calls for maximum military restraint, while the IAEA investigates the incidents and Israel reports over 100 injured.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Sunday, called for maximum military restraint as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, warning that attacks near nuclear-related facilities in Israel and Iran pose "escalating threat to public health and environmental safety".

In a post on X, Tedros said, "The war in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage with strikes reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran, and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located." The war in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage with strikes reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran, and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located. @iaeaorg is looking into incidents reported yesterday in southeastern Iran, and in… pic.twitter.com/gJdQd1eOqS — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 22, 2026

IAEA Investigating Incidents

He added that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is examining the incidents reported in southeastern Iran and in the Israeli city of Dimona.

"@iaeaorg is looking into incidents reported yesterday in southeastern Iran, and in Israel's city of Dimona. No indications of abnormal or increased off-site radiation levels have been reported," Tedros said.

Public Health and Environmental Threats

Highlighting the potential consequences of such attacks, he warned, " Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety."

Tedros also said the WHO has taken steps to prepare for possible health emergencies related to nuclear incidents. "Since the outbreak of hostilities, @WHO has provided critical training to its own staff and @UN personnel across 13 countries to help them respond effectively to public health threats in the event of a nuclear incident," he said.

Call for De-escalation

Calling for de-escalation, he urged all sides to avoid further escalation that could "trigger nuclear incidents."

"I urgently call on all parties to exercise maximum military restraint and avoid any actions that could trigger nuclear incidents. Leaders must prioritise de-escalation and protect civilians," Tedros said. He added, " Peace is the best medicine", making a broader appeal of peace amidst the ongoing Middle East Conflict.

Israel Reports Over 100 Injured

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with the Mayor of Arad, Yair Maayan and conveyed his prayers for those injured.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that over 100 people, including children, were injured in the attack. In a post on X, the Ministry said, "The Iranian regime devastated Arad and Dimona by deliberately striking civilians with missiles. Over 100 people were injured, including children. A blatant war crime. Pure terrorism."

The Iranian attacks reportedly came after Tehran's response to a strike on its Natanz nuclear facility earlier in the day, which Iran blamed on a joint US-Israeli operation -- an allegation Israel has denied. Iranian military spokespeople claimed their missiles were aimed at strategic targets but did not dispute that towns were hit. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)