Iran war risks long-term toxic legacy for people and nature
Iran War Risks Long-Term Toxic Legacy for People and Nature
Fighting in the Middle East has led to significant environmental hazards, including damaged oil refineries and sinking vessels, which could have enduring effects on the region’s ecosystems, water resources, and public health. Experts are growing alarmed as US-Israeli strikes target Iran’s energy infrastructure and military installations, potentially creating a toxic aftermath that endures long after hostilities cease.
Environmental Damage from Striking Oil Facilities
The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), based in the UK, has recorded over 300 incidents of possible ecological harm since the conflict began. These events range from missile base attacks to assaults on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. However, CEOBS director Doug Weir emphasized that these figures represent just the visible portion of the problem. “That’s merely the tip of the iceberg,” he stated. “The US claims to have targeted 5,000 sites, meaning we’re only beginning to grasp the full extent of the damage.”
Black Rain and Air Pollution in Tehran
A recent example of these risks emerged when “black rain” — a combination of oil and moisture — blanketed Tehran after Israel’s strikes on multiple oil facilities. The resulting fires generated dense smoke, affecting the city’s air quality and prompting health warnings for its 10 million residents. The Red Crescent Society urged people to stay indoors to avoid exposure to harmful airborne toxins. Some individuals described experiencing headaches and breathing difficulties, according to local reports.
“The smoke likely includes fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and toxic volatile organic compounds, which can deeply infiltrate the lungs and elevate risks for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” noted Zongbo Shi, a professor at the University of Birmingham specializing in atmospheric biogeochemistry.
Persistent Contaminants from Bombing
Experts warn that attacks on military and energy sites may leave behind pollutants that linger for years. Bombing oil installations in Iran and other Gulf nations can release harmful emissions that disperse into nearby communities, settling on roads, soils, and agricultural areas. Similarly, strikes on missile bases may spread toxic materials such as fuels, heavy metals, and explosives.
“With limited transparency, it’s hard to assess the full scale of contamination. We know these sites may contain military materials, but we lack detailed data on what’s been destroyed or what remains,” said Weir.
CEOBS relies on satellite imagery, radar maps, social media, and news reports to analyze potential risks from a distance. Without on-site testing, the exact nature of the contamination remains unclear.
Oil Spill Threats to Marine Life
Attacks on Iran’s navy and strikes on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz further heighten the danger of oil spills. The Persian Gulf hosts critical marine habitats, including seagrass beds that support fish, pearl oysters, green turtles, and the world’s second-largest population of endangered dugongs. Fishing communities depend on these waters for sustenance, making the ecological threat particularly severe.
“This aspect is often overlooked in most conflicts,” Weir remarked. “We’ve seen several coastal sites hit by Israel, increasing the likelihood of pollutants entering marine environments.”
The US reported striking more than 60 Iranian ships during the conflict, adding to concerns about oil spills and their long-term impact on marine ecosystems.
