News blog about the war in the Middle East
WHO prepares for nuclear incident in Iran
Updated March 18, 2026 – 3:34 p.mReading time: 5 minutes
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A high-rise building collapsed due to Israeli rockets in Beirut. In Iran, the nuclear power plant was hit by a missile. All developments in the news blog.
Iran confirms death of Iranian intelligence minister. Israeli Defense Minister Katz had previously said that the Israeli Army Air Force had killed the politician. “Esmail Chatib was the victim of an airstrike last night,” Katz said at a news conference.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for the possibility of a nuclear incident as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. These include scenarios involving attacks on nuclear facilities or the potential use of nuclear weapons. This is reported by the news portal “Politico”.
“The worst-case scenario would be a nuclear incident, and that is what concerns us most,” said WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director Hanan Balkhy. “No matter how much we prepare, nothing can prevent the damage that will affect the region – and, in the event of such an event, the entire world.”
According to Israeli Defense Minister Katz, the Israeli Army Air Force killed Iran’s intelligence minister. “Esmail Chatib was the victim of an airstrike last night,” Katz said at a news conference. There has been no confirmation from Iran so far.
Katz also said he expected “significant surprises” in all theaters of war on Wednesday that would “further intensify” the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu and he authorized the army to eliminate targets in the Iranian leadership without additional authorization.
Iran’s secret service says it has taken action against dozens of opposition networks. “111 cells” of monarchists were identified in 26 provinces, the Tasnim news agency reported. This refers to supporters of the Shah’s son Reza Pahlavi, who claims a leading role in the opposition abroad. Arrests were made.
According to Tasnim, firearms were confiscated during the intelligence operations “to incite street riots.” Four people were also arrested on charges of espionage. They are said to have provided the “enemy” with information about the positions of security forces in the provinces of Hamedan and West Azerbaijan.
Several people were also arrested who had provided information and photos to the Persian-language exile broadcaster “Iran International”. Tasnim also reported the seizure of 350 Starlink devices.
