Hossein Iraqchi, the foreign minister of the Islamic Republic, speaking at the conference “Eco-side; a silent war crime,” said: “During the military incursions by the United States and Israel, attacks on oil, refinery, and energy facilities, as well as attacks on nuclear facilities—which constitute an unforgivable crime under international law—have created serious environmental risks.”

Iraqchi added: “In Esfand 1404, the United Nations Environment Programme confirmed that oil facilities inside and around Iran’s urban areas, including Tehran, were targeted, and that oil fires have led to the release of dangerous compounds; pollution that can be transferred from air to soil and water resources and even affect the food chain.”

Iraqchi also said that, from the perspective of the Islamic Republic, international law should not be indifferent to the destruction of the environment and the violation of people’s fundamental rights in wartime conditions.