WHO Warns of Middle East Crisis in Iran Conflict

The World Health Organization issued an urgent warning on Wednesday about the mounting humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, where a U.S.- and Israel-led military offensive against Iran has caused more than 1,800 deaths and 12,500 injuries since escalating on February 28. The conflict, centered in Iran and Lebanon with spillover effects across the region, has strained health systems to the breaking point and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

National health authorities report that Iran has suffered over 1,300 deaths and approximately 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. In Israel, officials have confirmed 15 deaths and about 2,142 injuries. The WHO, which verified these figures, highlighted the disproportionate impact on civilians, including women and children, amid widespread destruction.

The offensive began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, which U.S. officials described as a precision response to missile and nuclear threats from Iran. The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, according to reports. In retaliation,...