Iran war risks long-term toxic legacy for people and nature

Environmental Impact of War in the Middle East

Combat in the Middle East, involving attacks on oil refineries and naval vessels, is creating long-term risks for the region’s ecosystems and human health. Environmental experts highlight that such actions could leave a toxic footprint, affecting water, air, and food resources for years. The recent US-Israeli conflict has drawn particular attention to the potential damage from strikes on oil infrastructure, with concerns growing over the lasting consequences of these operations.

Persistent Contaminants from Bombing Campaigns

Researchers from the UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) have documented over 300 incidents of environmental harm since the war began. However, they argue that these cases represent just a small portion of the overall damage. “That’s merely the tip of the iceberg,” said CEOBS director Doug Weir. “The US claims to have targeted more than 5,000 sites, meaning we’re only beginning to grasp the full scale of the issue.”

Health Risks from Air Pollution

Black rain, a mixture of oil and moisture, recently blanketed Tehran after Israeli strikes on oil facilities. The resulting smoke affected air quality in the capital, which houses nearly 10 million people. The Red Crescent Society advised residents to remain indoors to avoid exposure to harmful pollutants. Local reports noted symptoms like headaches and shortness of breath, according to Zongbo Shi, a professor at the University of Birmingham. Shi explained that the smoke likely contained fine particulates, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can penetrate the lungs and worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, especially in vulnerable groups.

Long-Term Environmental Contamination

Experts caution that the destruction of military and energy sites can leave behind enduring chemical traces. When oil facilities are attacked, toxic plumes may disperse into surrounding areas, settling on surfaces and entering food chains. CEOBS emphasized that such pollutants could remain in the environment for years, impacting both wildlife and human populations. Attacks on missile bases also introduce hazardous materials, including fuels, heavy metals, PFAS, and explosives, which persist even after hostilities cease.

Oil Spills and Marine Ecosystems

Targeting Iran’s navy and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has raised fears of oil spills. The Persian Gulf hosts vital marine habitats, such as seagrass beds that sustain fish, pearl oysters, and endangered dugongs. Fishing communities dependent on these waters are now at risk. “This is a less visible aspect of most conflicts,” Weir noted. “We’ve seen several coastal locations hit by Israel, increasing the chance of pollutants seeping into the marine environment.”

The US reported striking over 60 Iranian ships during the conflict, further escalating concerns about environmental risks. Assessing the full extent of contamination remains challenging without direct on-site analysis, as Weir explained. “There’s limited transparency about what’s been damaged or destroyed,” he said. “We know sites may hold military materials, some toxic like propellants, but precise data is scarce.”