Tehran Suffers Toxic Fallout From Israeli Oil Depot Bombings

Satellite images confirm that toxic fires, ignited by Israeli bombings on oil depots on March 7, continued to burn days later in Tehran. The resulting smoke clouds have enveloped the Iranian capital, leading to fears of serious health complications for millions of residents.

These pollutants, including soot, oil particles, and sulfur dioxide, were compounded by a storm that brought poisonous, oil-filled rain. Residents have reported experiencing headaches, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation. Experts warn these immediate symptoms could foreshadow long-term risks such as cardiovascular disease, DNA damage, and cancer.

Four fuel facilities in and around Tehran were targeted, including the Shahran depot and the Tehran refinery, which showed signs of burning for over a week after the strikes. Iran has condemned these attacks as 'ecocide,' highlighting the environmental destruction. The World Health Organization has expressed concern that the attacks could contaminate food, water, and air, posing severe risks, especially to vulnerable populations.

Israel has claimed responsibility for bombing fuel tanks, including at a refinery in Tehran's south. While the exact extent of involvement by other nations is unclear, US officials have stated these were Israeli strikes targeting local fuel depots. The United Nations Environment Programme has cautioned about the severe health and environmental impacts of such large oil fires, including the potential contamination of soil, water, and food supplies.