Iran says environmental damage from US-Israeli attacks 'silent victim of war'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the environmental damage caused by US-Israeli attacks is a "silent victim of war", highlighting the significant impact on the environment in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Araghchi pointed out that these attacks have led to "unprecedented environmental damage" beyond the loss of human lives and destruction of vital infrastructure.

The head of Iran’s Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, detailed the environmental consequences of US-Israeli attacks on Iranian oil, refinery, and energy facilities, particularly in the southern city of Asaluyeh. Ansari reported that these attacks resulted in substantial air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 904 tonnes of particulate matter, 4,700 tonnes of volatile compounds, and over 13,000 tonnes of sulphur oxides.

Additionally, 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere, undermining efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and calling for climate justice and international accountability for environmental damage caused by conflict.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.