Tehran, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed an international conference titled “Ecocide: The Silent War Crime” in Tehran on Sunday. He highlighted the severe environmental threats posed by attacks from the United States and Israel on Iran’s oil refineries and energy facilities. Araghchi emphasized that countries causing environmental damage should be held accountable.
According to the Mehr News Agency, he noted that the fires near Tehran released hazardous substances that could contaminate air, soil, and water, potentially impacting the food chain.
Araghchi argued that “ecocide,” or widespread environmental destruction, is not merely a war crime but a far graver offense. He stressed the need for concrete international action rather than mere expressions of concern.
He stated that the environment is a shared heritage of humanity and should not be subjected to the rivalries between nations or exploited for short-term economic and military gains. The term “ecocide,” he explained, is structured similarly to “genocide,” signifying a concept that extends beyond war crimes against the environment.
He pointed out that warfare severely damages water, soil, air, forests, agricultural land, energy resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity. The repercussions can persist for years or even decades after conflicts conclude.
Using Gaza as an example, he mentioned the unprecedented environmental damage there, including the destruction of olive groves and contamination of water and soil. He also referenced Lebanon, where fires have devastated forests and thousands of olive trees.
In discussing Iran, Araghchi noted that in March 2026, the United Nations Environment Programme confirmed that attacks on oil facilities had released dangerous chemical compounds into the environment. He also referred to incidents of “black rain” in Tehran.
The Foreign Minister emphasized three key issues: the identification of severe environmental damage for international cooperation, the development of a robust legal framework and clear standards for addressing such harm, and the establishment of a scientific and impartial documentation process for environmental damage during armed conflicts. He called for increased regional and international cooperation to prevent ecological destruction, restore damaged ecosystems, and assist affected countries.
Araghchi expressed Iran’s support for recognizing “ecocide” as an independent international crime, pledging to utilize its scientific, legal, and diplomatic resources towards this goal.
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