Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and Israel of causing serious environmental damage during military operations against Iran, claiming that attacks on fuel facilities have released huge quantities of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Pezeshkian described the military strikes as illegal aggression and called for international mechanisms to hold those responsible accountable for the environmental consequences.
He claimed that attacks on fuel facilities near a major gas field in southern Iran had resulted in approximately 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Iranian president also alleged that strikes targeting fuel storage facilities near Tehran released an additional one million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
He called on the international community to investigate the environmental impact of military operations and establish measures to ensure accountability.
However, the specific figures and accusations have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, several oil spills have reportedly been detected along the coastlines of Gulf countries, raising further concerns about environmental safety in the region.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has previously blamed US military operations for environmental pollution in the Middle East. At the same time, both Iran and the United States have targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid competing efforts to enforce restrictions on maritime movement.
Pezeshkian arrived in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday to participate in international diplomatic engagements. During his visit, he reportedly held discussions with several leaders from participating countries.
The regional conflict began on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting locations across the region. Armed groups supported by Tehran in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq also became involved in the escalating conflict.
The continuing military confrontation has raised concerns beyond security and political stability, particularly regarding its potential consequences for energy infrastructure, air quality, marine ecosystems and the wider environment.
Pezeshkian’s latest remarks have brought renewed attention to the environmental costs of warfare and the need for international cooperation to address pollution resulting from military conflicts.
