US Media: WHO Officials Preparing for Potential "Nuclear Disaster" in Middle East Region

Source: Global Times

[Global Network Report] According to the European edition of the U.S. “Politico” on the 17th, World Health Organization officials are preparing for a potential “nuclear disaster” that could result from further escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Hanan Balkhi, Director of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, told the European edition of “Politico” that UN staff are monitoring the consequences of US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and remain “highly alert” to any form of nuclear threat.

“The worst-case scenario is a nuclear accident, which is also our greatest concern,” Balkhi said. “No matter how prepared we are, we cannot prevent the harm that may come… If the situation develops to this point, it will not only affect this region but also have global repercussions, lasting for decades.”

The European edition of “Politico” reported that Balkhi stated staff are prepared to respond to a “broad” nuclear incident, including attacks on nuclear facilities or the use of nuclear weapons. “We are taking this issue seriously and sincerely hope it does not happen.”

“I believe anyone familiar with historical events, whether intentional or accidental, understands what we are discussing,” Balkhi said.

The US and Israel’s military strikes against Iran entered their 20th day on the 19th. On the 17th, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced that around 19:00 local time, an enemy projectile struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, causing no economic or technical damage to the facility and no casualties. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated such attacks violate international regulations prohibiting military attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities and could cause irreversible consequences for the entire region, including the Persian Gulf countries.