The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning about the health and environmental risks caused by recent Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, highlighting the danger of a regional catastrophe that threatens public health and ecological stability.

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Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the international community watches with alarm as Israel carries out military operations against Iranian nuclear facilities. According to official statements, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the health and environmental consequences of these attacks, describing the situation as “deeply worrying” and warning of the high number of civilian casualties.

Tedros emphasized that aggression of this magnitude goes beyond Iran’s borders, affecting neighboring countries and the regional ecosystem. The WHO considers attacks on nuclear infrastructure not only a crime against public health but also a direct threat to human and environmental security. The international agency urged an immediate halt to any action that could trigger a radiological catastrophe of incalculable proportions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also condemned the attacks, reminding the world that nuclear facilities must never be targeted militarily, regardless of the circumstances, as such acts could have devastating effects on populations and the environment. The IAEA stressed that these actions violate the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The attacks, which included the uranium enrichment plant at Natanz and other strategic facilities, have resulted in a tragic toll of victims, including senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians, according to Iranian state sources.

The escalation of violence between Israel and Iran is extremely concerning — and is costing the lives of civilians, including children. The growing number of injured civilians are also distressing.
@WHO’s particular concern is the targeting of nuclear sites, which may have… pic.twitter.com/ECCXlxoBRy

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 17, 2025

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, denounced the “evil nature” of the Zionist regime and promised a strong response, while the Iranian military warned that its retaliation against Israel would have no limits.

The WHO warned that further military escalation could lead to a humanitarian and ecological disaster, with effects reaching far beyond Iran’s borders. The risk of radioactive contamination threatens the lives of millions and endangers the biodiversity of the entire region.

Various progressive sectors and social movements have strongly condemned the Israeli aggression, demanding respect for Iran’s sovereignty and the immediate cessation of all military actions that endanger peace and international security.

The WHO and IAEA reaffirm the need to act responsibly and prevent a regional tragedy, reminding the world that the protection of health and the environment must prevail over any geopolitical interest.

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