Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and Israel of causing extensive environmental destruction during their military offensive against Iran, which began on February 28. Speaking at the COP31 UN climate summit in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday, Pezeshkian claimed that attacks on fuel facilities resulted in the release of 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
According to the president, strikes on fuel storage facilities in Asaluyeh on March 18 accounted for 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, while attacks on fuel storage tanks near Tehran on March 7 produced an additional one million tonnes. Pezeshkian argued that these military operations highlight a fundamental contradiction between international efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and the destruction of infrastructure, which triggers widespread fires and releases significant pollutants.
Beyond the impact on fuel facilities, the Iranian president condemned military operations in Gaza, describing the region as facing a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe due to the destruction of ecosystems, water resources, and essential infrastructure. He also noted that military strikes on Iranian protected areas and environmental ranger stations have damaged natural resources and pose a threat to future generations.
Calling for international accountability, Pezeshkian urged organizations to document the environmental damage caused by US and Israeli military operations in both Iran and Gaza and to establish mechanisms for compensation. He emphasized that peace and environmental protection are inseparable, stating that lasting peace is essential for safeguarding the planet.
During his address, Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran's progress in renewable energy, reporting that the country's installed capacity grew from 1,250 megawatts to more than 6,150 megawatts during the last two years. He stated that in 2026, Iran generated more than 4.5 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, which prevented 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The COP31 summit, which brings together world leaders and climate negotiators to discuss emissions reductions and financing, is being held in Antalya from November 9 to 20.
