WHO flags perilous Iran conflict, urges peace and restraint

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered a “perilous stage”, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, urged on Sunday, as concerns mount over reported strikes near sensitive nuclear facilities in Iran and Israel.Ghebreyesus said strikes have reportedly hit the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located, raising fears of a potential public health and environmental crisis.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently assessing incidents reported in southeastern Iran as well as in Dimona.“No indications of abnormal or increased off-site radiation levels have been reported. Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety,” Ghebreyesus said in a post on X.Since the outbreak of hostilities, the WHO has stepped up preparedness measures, providing critical training to its staff and United Nations personnel across 13 countries to enable an effective response to public health emergencies, particularly in the event of a nuclear incident.“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. Peace is the best medicine,” he said.He further emphasised the long-term consequences of conflict, stating, “War doesn’t bring peace. It just teaches the next generation new reasons to hate.”

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

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran, threatening to “hit and obliterate” its power plants within 48 hours if Tehran does not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.In a series of posts, Trump issued a direct ultimatum over the key global energy route, saying: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”The warning signals a sharp escalation centred on the Strait of Hormuz, even as Trump indicated that Washington may be nearing its military objectives in the conflict.He added that the US had moved to significantly weaken Iran’s military capabilities, including “eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti-Aircraft Weaponry.”