Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said the health crisis in Iran and the Middle East was escalating rapidly. She spoke at a WHO press conference on March 5, 2026, called to discuss the development of the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the spread of the conflict to 16 countries. More than 1,000 people have died in Iran. There is evidence of attacks on medical facilities. About 100,000 people were displaced from Tehran and 60,000 in Lebanon.