The WHO is preparing for a nuclear disaster due to the war in the Middle East
Hanan Balhi, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, told Politico:
“The worst-case scenario is a nuclear incident, and that is what concerns us most. No matter how much we prepare, nothing can prevent the damage if it does eventually happen. And then the consequences will last for decades. We are thinking about this and simply very much hope that it does not happen,” said Balhi.
According to her, WHO staff are prepared for a nuclear incident in its “broadest sense”, including an attack on a nuclear facility or the use of nuclear weapons.
US President Donald Trump has promised to “eliminate the imminent nuclear threat posed by the Iranian regime”, although he has provided no evidence that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons.
In June 2025, the US, in coordination with Israel, launched strikes against nuclear infrastructure across Iran.
The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that the attacks took place at its facilities in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz.
On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel launched an operation against Iran, as part of which they continue to attack nuclear facilities.
Israel and the UAE also have nuclear facilities within range of Iranian missiles. Israel itself is believed to possess a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons.
The WHO notes that to date there have been no reports of signs of radioactive contamination anywhere in the region.
However, if a nuclear incident were to expose people to dangerous levels of radiation, it would risk causing significant immediate damage to their lungs and skin, as well as increasing the risk of cancer and mental health problems, explained Balkhi.
The WHO is therefore briefing its staff on what to do in the event of a nuclear incident, including advising officials on the risks to public health and the measures people should take to protect themselves.
