WHO warns Iran war poses growing public health risks

The head of the World Health Organisation has warned that the US-Israeli war on Iran is creating serious public health risks across the region.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said damage to petroleum facilities in Iran could contaminate food, water and air, posing particular dangers to children, older people and those with existing health conditions.

“Rain laden with oil has been reported falling in parts of the country,” Tedros said in a post.

He also said the violence is affecting healthcare services in Lebanon, where nine health workers have been killed since 28 February.