Israel’s bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure will have major long-term environmental repercussions, experts have warned, as monitors admitted they were struggling to keep track of the environmental disasters arising from the widening war. Photograph: Social Media/ReutersIran’s deputy health minister, Ali Jafarian, told Al Jazeera that the soil and water supplies around Tehran were already beginning to be contaminated by the fallout from the weekend’s explosions. “In terms of atmospheric chemistry, the oil fires produce sulphur and nitrogen compounds that could form acids if they dissolve in rainwater. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesTehranis reported difficulty breathing on Sunday, as well as headaches and burning sensations in their eyes and throats. Whether or not this manifests will depend strongly on how long and serious the exposure is of any individual.

Source: The Guardian March 10, 2026 09:30 UTC