The World Health Organization has raised concerns over growing tensions in the Middle East following recent strikes near sensitive nuclear facilities in both Iran and Israel.
In a statement on Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as dangerously volatile, warning that attacks around nuclear infrastructure pose serious risks to public health and environmental safety.
“The conflict in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage, especially with strikes occurring near nuclear sites,” Tedros said.
Tensions escalated after an Iranian missile struck parts of Dimona in southern Israel, damaging residential buildings and leaving dozens injured. The town is widely believed to host Israel’s nuclear facility, although Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that the site is for research purposes.
Iran said the strike was carried out in retaliation for an earlier attack on its nuclear facility in Natanz, a key site linked to its uranium enrichment programme.
Reacting to the developments, Tedros cautioned that continued hostilities could trigger far-reaching consequences.
“Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety,” he stated.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to a nuclear emergency.
“I urgently call on all sides to show maximum military restraint and avoid any steps that could result in nuclear incidents. Leaders must prioritise de-escalation and ensure the protection of civilians,” he added.
According to the WHO chief, the International Atomic Energy Agency is monitoring the situation closely, noting that there have been no confirmed reports of abnormal radiation levels outside the affected sites.
The ongoing conflict, which began in late February, has seen an exchange of attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with other regional actors also drawn into the crisis.
