Iran appeals to UN over environmental catastrophe in the country

Iran has appealed to the UN over the environmental crisis that emerged amid US-Israeli strikes on the country.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this was announced by the "Tasnim" news agency.

Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Saeed Iravani, pointed to the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of the ongoing US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, emphasizing that they have led to air pollution and serious health risks for the civilian population.

The day before, Saeed Iravani sent letters to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Stiell, and Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Catherine Russell.

The letter states that, according to the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the explosions during the US-Israeli strikes released enormous amounts of hazardous compounds into the atmosphere, including hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides.

This has created a critical situation characterized by severe air pollution and serious threats to the health of the civilian population, particularly the elderly and those suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The letter also emphasizes that the rain that fell in Tehran on March 8, 2026, turned out to be highly acidic and caused serious respiratory problems among the population.

In addition, the precipitation may have led to the contamination of water resources.

"In connection with this alarming situation, all medical facilities in Tehran Province have been placed on high alert. Iran's Department of Environment has recommended that residents of Tehran and Karaj refrain from going outdoors unless necessary and stay indoors as much as possible.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls upon the United Nations and its relevant bodies to urgently address these issues and take appropriate measures, including the condemnation of actions that damage the environment, as well as holding accountable those responsible for this blatant environmental crime," the letter from Saeed Iravani addressed to the UN states.