Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the possibility of a catastrophic nuclear incident. The agency stated that it is preparing for a potential nuclear disaster arising from the conflict, which could have unprecedented and devastating consequences for public health and the environment.
Hanan Balkhi, Director of WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, told Politico this week that the worst-case scenario would be a nuclear accident or attack, which is the agency’s greatest concern. He emphasised that, despite all precautionary measures, the resulting damage would be uncontrollable and the effects could persist for decades.
The warning follows reports that, in June, the United States conducted unprecedented airstrikes on Iran’s three largest nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. President Donald Trump claimed that these installations had been completely destroyed, although Iran has yet to release verified information on human or environmental losses caused by the strikes.
Balkhi drew parallels with the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine, highlighting the long-term consequences of radiation exposure. “The impact would extend beyond immediate fatalities, affecting the environment and respiratory health for generations, with diseases such as cancer potentially affecting multiple future generations,” he warned.
Concerns over nuclear capabilities in the region are intensifying. Israel remains the only publicly declared nuclear power in the Middle East, while the United Arab Emirates also operates civilian nuclear power plants. Although the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) state that Iran has not enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels, experts caution that escalating conflict could accelerate the country’s nuclear ambitions.
In a briefing last Tuesday, President Trump assured reporters that Israel would not use nuclear weapons in the region. Nevertheless, WHO is advising local public health authorities to implement the best strategies for potential radiation exposure, including evacuation planning, medical preparedness, and environmental monitoring.
The potential spread of radioactive contamination would not be limited to Iran or Israel. Entire regions of the Middle East and neighbouring areas could face long-term environmental devastation. Experts stress that swift diplomatic measures are the only viable option to prevent such a disaster.
The table below summarises the potential impacts of a nuclear incident:
| Impact Type | Description | Duration/Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate fatalities | Direct deaths and injuries from the explosion | Immediate |
| Health consequences | Radiation-induced cancers, organ damage, long-term illness | Decades |
| Environmental impact | Contamination of soil, air, and water | Decades to indefinite |
| Intergenerational effects | Genetic damage and health risks to future generations | Multiple generations |
WHO’s warning, coming after past criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness. Without prompt diplomatic intervention, experts warn,