Beyond the immediate damage, scientists and specialized NGOs argue that armed conflicts often trigger multiple forms of pollution: destruction of industrial infrastructure, oil spills, soil contamination, and massive greenhouse gas emissions. In the Iranian case, the presence of a large oil sector further heightens these risks.
Thick Toxic Clouds Over Tehran
The war in the Middle East, which began in early March 2026, has been marked by strikes on energy and industrial facilities around Tehran. These attacks triggered major fires at several oil depots and fossil-fuel infrastructures, sending plumes of smoke visible for miles. In a country already grappling with heavy air pollution, experts now fear a lasting environmental impact. The bombardment of oil facilities around Tehran sparked spectacular fires at several fuel storage sites, notably at the Shahran and Shahr-e sites. The flames burned for days, releasing large quantities of soot-laden smoke, which produced dense toxic clouds that spread over the Iranian capital.
In response to these emissions, health authorities have urged residents to limit travel and stay indoors. The fires release a complex mix of pollutants: soot, hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, and heavy metals. These substances can cause enduring air pollution and contaminate the environment. The World Health Organization’s Director-General also warned about health risks linked to these destructions. “The damage to oil facilities in Iran risks contaminating food, water, and air – dangers that could have serious health impacts, especially for children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
These fires also produce significant quantities of fine particles. As the NGO Global Witness notes, the burning of oil releases black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, two types of pollutants capable of penetrating deeply into the lungs and increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Iran: Oil, Black Rain, and Soil Contamination
Beyond atmospheric pollution, scientists also fear progressive contamination of soils and water resources. The fumes from burning oil indeed contain oil droplets, sulfur compounds, and various heavy metals that eventually settle back to the ground. In some neighborhoods in Tehran, residents have already reported an unusual phenomenon: episodes of “black rain” have been observed after the bombardments. This occurs when soot particles from oil fires mix with precipitation before falling to the ground.
The environmental consequences can be significant. Polluting particles deposited on soils can contaminate crops, urban infrastructure, and waterways. Scientists from the Conflict and Environment Observatory explain that these deposits often contain metals such as nickel or vanadium, naturally present in crude oil. According to this specialized organization, these substances can persist in the environment for a long time. They gradually accumulate in soils or sediments and can enter the food chain, affecting plants, animals, and, eventually, human populations.
Hundreds of Incidents Tied to the Middle East War
The destruction of oil infrastructure is only part of the ecological damage caused by the war. Bombings also strike military bases, fuel depots, industrial facilities, and civilian infrastructure — all potential sources of pollution.
The Conflict and Environment Observatory, a specialist organization tracking the environmental impact of conflicts, has documented more than 300 incidents with environmental risks in the region since hostilities began. Of these, 232 have already been evaluated to determine their danger level. These incidents include strikes on refineries, weapons depots, or energy infrastructure. The destruction of such sites can release a wide range of toxic substances: fuels, explosives, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals.
The organization notes that these pollutions can cause lasting damage. “We are witnessing a succession of pollution incidents that put populations and ecosystems at risk, with both short- and long-term effects,” the Conflict and Environment Observatory states in this report published on March 10, 2026.
Thick black clouds and oil‑saturated rain are shrouding Iran’s capital this morning after major airstrikes hit refineries and storage sites south and west of the city. CNN’s Fred Pleitgen reports. CNN operates in Iran only with government permission. pic.twitter.com/Cv0EEHDwom
— CNN (@CNN) March 8, 2026
The War in the Middle East, a Risk to the Energy Transition
The war in Iran could also have enormous climate consequences. The fires at oil facilities release substantial quantities of carbon dioxide and black carbon into the atmosphere. Armed conflicts have already shown their impact on the climate. Global Witness notes, for instance, that the first year of the Ukraine war generated around 120 million tonnes of CO2, a level comparable to the annual emissions of some industrialized countries.
In Iran’s case, the destruction of energy infrastructure and the associated fires could thus contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions add to disruptions in the global energy market. The conflict affects oil flows and the Gulf’s strategic shipping routes. And these tensions can slow the energy transition by pushing some countries to strengthen their reliance on fossil fuels to secure their supply. Experts thus estimate that the environmental consequences of the conflict could extend well beyond the battle zones, affecting air quality, regional ecosystems, and international climate policies.
