WHO Chief Condemns Strikes on Iranian Health Infrastructure

GENEVA (AP) — World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned U.S.-Israeli military strikes on health infrastructure in Iran on Thursday, calling the attacks a violation of international humanitarian law and a threat to global public health.

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Ghebreyesus stated that the destruction of hospitals and medical facilities in Iran represents a catastrophic failure to protect civilian populations during armed conflict. The strikes, which occurred over the weekend, targeted several major medical centers in Tehran and Isfahan, according to local health officials.

"Attacks on health infrastructure are not only a crime against the people of Iran, but a crime against humanity," Ghebreyesus said. "Hospitals are sanctuaries, not targets. The deliberate destruction of medical facilities undermines the fundamental right to health for millions of civilians."

The World Health Organization has not yet released a full assessment of the damage, but initial reports indicate that at least three major hospitals have been severely damaged, with power and water systems disrupted across the region. Emergency medical supplies are reportedly running low, and many patients have been displaced from treatment centers.

U.S. and Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the specific nature of the strikes, though both nations have stated that their military operations are focused on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and dismantling terrorist networks. Neither country has acknowledged targeting civilian infrastructure.

Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of launching a coordinated campaign to destabilize the country, with President Ebrahim Raisi describing the attacks as an act of aggression that violates Iran's sovereignty. Tehran has called for an immediate investigation by the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.

The WHO has urged all parties to the conflict to respect international law and to ensure that medical personnel and facilities are not targeted. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the organization is preparing to deploy emergency medical teams to Iran, pending security clearance and access to affected areas.

"We are ready to help," Ghebreyesus said. "But we cannot operate in a war zone without guarantees of safety. The international community must ensure that humanitarian workers are protected and that medical facilities remain operational."

As of Thursday morning, the situation in Iran remains fluid, with ongoing reports of additional strikes and escalating tensions in the region. The WHO is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating with local partners to assess the full extent of the damage and the humanitarian needs of the affected population.

Questions remain about the long-term impact of the strikes on Iran's healthcare system and the potential for further escalation. The international community is watching closely as diplomatic efforts continue to de-escalate the crisis.