Environmental Impact of the US-Israeli War on Iran

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has led to significant environmental destruction, particularly evident since the beginning of March 2026. Thousands of bombs and missiles have targeted Iran's oil refineries, military bases, industrial areas, and nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran has launched suicide drones and ballistic missiles at similar targets in Israel and Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. This exchange of attacks has resulted in both human and environmental catastrophes, with long-term repercussions expected to affect the region for decades.

The Guardian

Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote sensing specialist with the Dutch peace advocacy organization Pax, has compiled a database documenting over 500 incidents of environmental harm within Iran and an additional 100 incidents outside the country. These incidents include high-visibility impacts such as strikes on oil depots and marine pollution. Following recent bombings of Tehran's fuel depots, authorities warned residents to remain indoors due to the release of harmful pollutants, including soot, smoke, and oil particles, which contributed to the formation of black acid rain over the city.

The Guardian

An analysis by the UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory suggests that the likely contaminants from these attacks include fuels, oils, heavy metals, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Fires resulting from the bombings can also release dioxins and furans, further exacerbating the environmental crisis. However, the Iranian state has not provided comprehensive environmental data, complicating efforts to assess the full extent of the damage. The lack of local environmental observers, often stifled by governmental pushback against activism, has hindered data collection.

The Guardian

The ecological situation in the Gulf region remains precarious, particularly given that one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has consistently warned that any attacks on its fossil fuel infrastructure would provoke retaliation. Despite this, there has been a degree of strategic restraint thus far. However, recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran's South Pars gas field raise concerns about the potential for escalated attacks on critical infrastructure, which could lead to disastrous environmental consequences.

The Guardian

Environmental experts and organizations have expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing conflict's impact on the environment. Zwijnenburg noted the challenges in gathering data due to the lack of environmental activism in Iran, stating, “Those are fairly nonexistent in Iran, because of the pushback against any environmental activism, [which was] traditionally associated with espionage.” The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring necessary to understand the full ramifications of the conflict.

The Guardian

As the war continues, the environmental fallout will be closely monitored. The potential for further escalations in attacks on fossil fuel infrastructure poses a significant threat to both local ecosystems and global climate stability. The international community will likely remain vigilant regarding developments in this conflict and its broader implications for environmental health in the region.

The Guardian

• “What I’m looking at now are high-visibility impacts, like oil depot strikes and marine pollution.” — Wim Zwijnenburg, Remote Sensing Specialist, Pax

The Guardian

• “Those are fairly nonexistent in Iran, because of the pushback against any environmental activism, [which was] traditionally associated with espionage.” — Wim Zwijnenburg, Remote Sensing Specialist, Pax

The Guardian