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World Health Organization Prepares for Nuclear Scenario, Including Weapons Use, in Iran
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for the possibility of a nuclear-related incident as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, including scenarios involving strikes on nuclear facilities or the potential use of nuclear weapons.
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According to Politico on March 18, WHO officials are monitoring the consequences of ongoing strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure and maintaining a state of heightened readiness for radiation-related risks. The organization is updating internal protocols and guidance for staff and governments on how to respond in the event of a nuclear emergency.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy stated that the organization is preparing for a wide range of scenarios. “Staff are ready for a nuclear incident, including an attack on a nuclear facility or the use of weapons,” she said, adding that the potential consequences could affect both the region and the wider world for decades.
According to Politico, WHO is also conducting additional training for personnel and developing updated recommendations on public health responses, including risk assessment and protective measures for civilians. The organization noted that no radioactive contamination has been detected in the region so far.
WHO outlined potential health risks, including acute lung and skin injuries, increased long-term cancer rates, and psychological effects following radiation exposure. The organization referenced past nuclear events, including the Chornobyl disaster and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as examples of long-term consequences.
The warnings come amid ongoing military operations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to available reports, strikes have targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, including facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Additional reports citing Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom indicated that a strike was recorded near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, marking the first such incident in proximity to an active reactor since the escalation began.
Earlier, Iran reportedly attempted to strike NATO’s Incirlik Air Base in southern Türkiye, a strategically sensitive facility believed to store between 20 and 50 US B61 nuclear bombs under NATO nuclear-sharing arrangements.
Footage circulating online appeared to show a ballistic missile over the area near Adana, while local residents reported air raid sirens and explosions. Although Turkish authorities have not officially confirmed the incident, state media Anadolu indicated that the missiles may have been intercepted by NATO air defense systems.
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