Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the international community to condemn environmental destruction caused by wars across the Middle East. He described the damage as “environmental genocide” and called for joint international efforts to address its consequences.
According to AFP, Pezeshkian made the remarks while addressing an international environmental summit in Armenia on Friday. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also attended the gathering, which focused on environmental challenges and the need for international cooperation.
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The Iranian president said military conflicts across the region had caused severe damage to the natural environment. He argued that the destruction should receive international condemnation because its effects extend beyond the countries directly involved in fighting.
Pezeshkian stressed that environmental damage caused by warfare does not remain confined within national borders. Harm to air, water, land and natural resources can affect neighbouring countries and communities far from conflict zones. He called for countries to work together to address these cross-border consequences.
His remarks come as conflicts in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East continue to raise concerns about their humanitarian and environmental costs. Beyond casualties and damage to infrastructure, armed conflicts can also harm ecosystems, disrupt water supplies and contaminate land. Such effects may create challenges for communities long after fighting ends.
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Pezeshkian urged the global community to recognise the environmental consequences of what he described as aggressive wars. He said international condemnation was necessary to draw attention to the destruction and encourage efforts to prevent further damage.
The Iranian president also called for coordinated international solutions to address the environmental impact of conflicts. His remarks highlighted the importance of cooperation between countries, as environmental problems linked to warfare can cross borders and affect regional stability. The statement added an environmental dimension to continuing international discussions about the consequences of conflicts in the Middle East.