Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that the US-Israeli attacks on Iran's oil, refinery and energy facilities during the 40-day war had caused serious environmental harm.
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As confirmed by the United Nations Environment Programme , the fires and the burning of hydrocarbons resulting from the attack have released dangerous chemical compounds, Araghchi said at the International Conference titled "Ecocide, the Silent War Crime" in Tehran.
Araghchi said the released pollutants can spread through the air to soil and water, even entering the food chain.
He stressed that the impact could last beyond the time and location of the attack.
He also highlighted the "profound and persistent" environmental impacts of military attacks on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
Iran affirms that international law cannot turn a blind eye to the destruction of the environment and fundamental human rights during times of war, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
On February 28, Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Iran responded with a wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the region. Iran also tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 7, US-Israeli strikes hit oil facilities in Tehran and nearby Alborz Province, triggering fires.
The rain that fell the following day exacerbated the environmental damage caused by the attack.
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