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

Iran War Risks Long-Term Toxic Legacy for People and Nature

Conflicts in the Middle East, including attacks on oil facilities and missile bases, have raised alarms about environmental damage that could outlast the war. As the US-Israeli standoff intensifies, experts caution that strikes on critical infrastructure might leave a toxic imprint on ecosystems, water sources, and human health. The fallout from these operations—ranging from oil refinery fires to sunken vessels—poses enduring threats to the region’s natural balance and public well-being.

Environmental Harm Beyond Immediate Damage

UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) has documented over 300 instances of potential ecological harm since hostilities began. However, the organization suggests these cases represent just a small portion of the full impact. “That’s merely the surface of a much larger issue,” noted CEOBS director Doug Weir. With estimates of more than 5,000 targeted sites, the true extent of damage remains obscured by limited data and inconsistent reporting.

“The US are claiming they’ve hit 5,000 sites. So right now, we’re just scratching the surface.” — Doug Weir, CEOBS

Environmental consequences extend beyond visible destruction. The United Nations has highlighted the possibility of severe long-term effects, including compromised water quality, air contamination, and disruption of food systems. A stark example emerged in Tehran, where oil facilities struck by Israeli forces released a toxic mixture of smoke and rain, coating streets in blackened droplets. This event prompted the Red Crescent Society to urge residents to remain indoors, citing dangers from pollutants like fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide.

Persistent Contaminants and Health Impacts

Researchers warn that bombing campaigns may leave behind hazardous residues. Toxic plumes from damaged oil sites can seep into surrounding areas, settling on roads, soil, and farmland, according to CEOBS. Such pollutants might affect vegetation and human health for years. Zongbo Shi, a professor from the University of Birmingham, explained that airborne toxins like volatile organic compounds and combustion by-products can deeply infiltrate lungs, linking to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, face heightened risks.

“That’s a dimension we don’t necessarily see that much in most conflicts.” — Doug Weir, CEOBS

Strikes on military installations further compound the problem. Explosives and fuels used in missile bases can contaminate soil and water with substances such as TNT, which the EPA classifies as a possible carcinogen. Without on-site testing, assessing the full scope of contamination remains challenging. Weir’s team relies on satellite data, social media updates, and news reports to track risks from a distance.

Oil Spills and Marine Ecosystems

Additional environmental hazards stem from attacks on Iran’s naval assets. US-Israeli strikes on ships near the Strait of Hormuz have increased the likelihood of oil spills, endangering the Persian Gulf’s fragile marine habitats. This body of water supports extensive coral reefs and vital ecosystems like seagrass beds, which sustain fish, pearl oysters, green turtles, and the second-largest population of endangered dugongs. Coastal communities dependent on seafood now face uncertain threats from pollutants seeping into their environment.

The US reported striking over 60 Iranian vessels during the conflict, amplifying concerns about oil leakage. These spills could disrupt marine life and jeopardize local fisheries, underscoring the need for ongoing environmental monitoring in the aftermath of military actions.