The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern following Israeli strikes on oil facilities in Iran, warning about potential health and environmental consequences.
In a statement, the WHO chief said attacks on major energy infrastructure could lead to serious air pollution, large fires, and other public health risks for people living in nearby communities.
He noted that military strikes on such facilities could pose wider threats to public health in the region and beyond, especially if they result in environmental contamination or disruptions to essential supplies.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged all sides involved in the conflict to avoid targeting critical civilian infrastructure, stressing that protecting lives and public health should remain a top priority.
The warning comes as tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about the broader impact of the conflict across the Middle East and global energy markets.