WHO: Over 1,800 killed in US–Israel–Iran war as health systems face collapse

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing humanitarian toll of the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, revealing that more than 1,800 people have been killed and about 12,500 injured in less than two weeks.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed this in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, warning that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and approaching collapse.

The conflict escalated sharply on February 28 following a joint strike by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with other senior officials.

According to the WHO, Iran has recorded more than 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has reported at least 570 deaths and about 1,400 injuries. In Israel, authorities have confirmed 15 deaths and approximately 2,142 injuries.

The conflict has also triggered a major displacement crisis. More than 100,000 people in Iran and up to 700,000 in Lebanon have reportedly fled their homes, with many now living in difficult conditions and facing limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Health officials warn that such conditions could lead to outbreaks of disease, particularly among women and children.

Tedros also expressed concern about attacks on healthcare facilities, noting that the WHO has documented 25 attacks on health facilities in Lebanon, 18 in Iran and two in Israel since the start of the offensive.

“These attacks not only claim lives but also deprive communities of critical care when they need it most,” he said, urging all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

The war began after the White House justified strikes on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, citing concerns over missile and nuclear threats.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli sites and U.S. military bases in several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite claims by U.S. officials that the operation was a “precision” campaign, the WHO warned that the conflict is having devastating consequences for civilians across the region.

“The urgency for action is critical to prevent the collapse of already fragile health systems,” Tedros said, calling for immediate de-escalation and unhindered humanitarian access.