Amid intensifying US-israel conflict with Iran, the World Health Organization (WHO) is anticipating risk of a nuclear fallout and warned that the consequences would be devastating regardless of the precautions in place.
In an interview with Politico, Hanan Balkhy said the agency is deeply concerned about the possibility of a nuclear fallout in the region.
“The worst-case scenario is a nuclear incident, and that's something that worries us the most,” she said, adding that even the highest levels of preparedness would not be enough to prevent widespread harm.
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“As much as we prepare, there's nothing that can prevent the harm that will come. The consequences are going to last for decades,” Balkhy warned, highlighting the enduring environmental and public health impact of radiation exposure.
The remarks come against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
While the US maintains the world's largest nuclear arsenal, Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, though it has never officially confirmed its capabilities.
Iran, meanwhile, has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, with the International Atomic Energy Agency stating that Tehran has not enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels.
Recent developments have further intensified concerns. In June, the US reportedly carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. However, there has been no official disclosure regarding the human or environmental impact of those attacks.
Balkhy drew parallels with past nuclear disasters, including the Chernobyl disaster and the atomic bombings of Japan during World War II, warning that the consequences of any nuclear incident extend far beyond immediate casualties.
"Long-term effects such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, and environmental contamination could persist for generations," she said.
The WHO has begun advising governments in the region on preparedness measures, although specific protocols have not been detailed publicly.
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