Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stated on Sunday that the attacks conducted by the United States and Israel on Iranian energy facilities during the 40-day war have led to serious environmental hazards.
According to a statement from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed by the UN Environment Programme, subsequent fires and the burning of hydrocarbon materials have released dangerous chemical compounds. These emissions, according to Araghchi, can spread through the air to the soil and water, potentially entering the food chain, and their impact may persist long after the attack itself.
He also drew attention to the significant and prolonged environmental damage caused by military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Iran insists that international law must not ignore environmental destruction and fundamental human rights during wartime.
Previously, on February 28, Israel and the United States carried out joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. In response, Iran began conducting waves of missile and drone attacks targeting US and Israeli bases and assets in the region, while also increasing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 7, US and Israeli strikes hit oil refining facilities in Tehran and the neighboring Alborz province, causing fires. Rain the following day exacerbated the environmental damage from these attacks.