World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has warned that the Middle East conflict has reached a “perilous stage” following reported strikes near nuclear-linked sites in Iran and Israel.
In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, the World Health Organization chief said the escalation raises serious concerns about public health and environmental safety, particularly after reports that strikes hit the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located.
“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,” Tedros said.
According to the statement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently investigating the incidents reported in southeastern Iran and in Dimona with officials indicating there are no immediate signs of radiation risk.
“No indications of abnormal or increased off-site radiation levels have been reported,” the statement noted.
Despite this, Tedros cautioned that continued attacks on such sensitive facilities could have far-reaching consequences.
“Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety,” he warned.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, WHO has been working to strengthen preparedness across multiple regions. The agency has provided critical training to its staff and United Nations personnel in 13 countries to help them respond effectively to potential public health emergencies arising from a nuclear incident.
“Since the outbreak of hostilities, WHO has provided critical training… to help them respond effectively to public health threats in the event of a nuclear incident,” he said.
Tedros called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could trigger a nuclear crisis.
“I urgently call on all parties to exercise maximum military restraint and avoid any actions that could trigger nuclear incidents,” he urged.
He emphasized the need for diplomacy and civilian protection, adding, “Leaders must prioritize de-escalation and protect civilians,”
US President Donald Trump had on Saturday threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route handling about a fifth of oil and gas supplies.
"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump said on social media.
The warning, coupled with Iran’s threat of retaliation against U.S. infrastructure, has raised fears of wider regional conflict.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir also cautioned that long-range missiles could reach European capitals, underscoring the growing risk of global spillover and deepening instability.