WANA (Jul 14) – Iran’s Department of Human Environment (within the Department of Environment) announced that missile attacks on the oil storage facilities in Rey and Kan destroyed approximately 19.5 million liters of fuel. As a result, around 47,000 tons of greenhouse gases and more than 578,821 kilograms of air pollutants were released into Tehran’s atmosphere, severely degrading air quality.

 

In a preliminary assessment report on the environmental impacts of the 12-day military assault by the Israeli regime on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Department of Human Environment highlighted heavy damage to the country’s water, soil, and air resources, warning of serious threats to public health.

 

The report states: “Beyond human casualties and infrastructure destruction, the recent attacks have caused significant environmental damage. The Department of Environment strongly condemns these strikes and calls for legal action to seek compensation for the damages. It also requests cooperation from national and international bodies for the restoration and rehabilitation of the affected areas.”

 

Iran, with its unique geo-ecological position and high biodiversity, holds an exceptional environmental status globally. According to official statistics, the country is home to 226 wetlands, over 8,600 plant species, more than 37,000 animal species, 13 biosphere reserves, nine major ecosystems, and 327 protected areas.

Smoke rises following what Iran says was an Israeli attack on Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

During the recent attacks, approximately 150,000 tons of rubble and war debris were generated in Tehran alone, with direct damages estimated at over 75 trillion rials (about 750 billion tomans). The costs of safe removal and disposal of industrial, electronic, and military waste in the capital have also reached around 30 trillion rials (about 300 billion tomans).

 

Other regions of Iran have also suffered significant damage. In Kangan County, for example, an attack on Phase 14 of the South Pars refinery led to the burning of 5.5 million cubic meters of gas, releasing over 12,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 437,000 kilograms of air pollutants. This pollution has driven up levels of particulate matter, black carbon, and nitrogen oxides, pushing air quality in several provinces to hazardous levels.

 

Beyond air pollution, surface and groundwater resources, soils, and ecosystems have been harmed by industrial effluent leaks, urban wastewater, and other forms of pollution including noise, vibration, radiation, and heat, threatening human, animal, and plant life.

 

The Department of Environment stated that comprehensive monitoring and damage assessments are underway nationwide, with a detailed report to be submitted soon to relevant domestic and international authorities. The organization also underscored its commitment to using all legal and diplomatic avenues to defend the environmental rights of the Iranian people.

A view of the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a building on Monday, after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 26, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)