Tehran is currently enveloped in a toxic haze following Israeli bombings that targeted oil depots, with satellite images revealing ongoing fires and significant environmental damage. The attacks, which occurred on March 7, 2026, have left the Aqdasieh oil depot burning for over ten days, contributing to a dangerous level of air pollution.
Residents of Tehran have reported a range of health issues, including headaches, eye and skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. The smoke blanketing the city contains harmful pollutants such as soot, oil particles, and sulphur dioxide, raising serious health concerns.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, emphasized the severe health risks posed by the pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. He stated, “The attack risked contaminating food, water and air – hazards that can have severe health impacts especially on children, older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.”
The United Nations Environment Programme has also issued warnings regarding the long-term health risks associated with exposure to smoke and toxic emissions. They highlighted that pollution from uncontrolled fires could leach into groundwater and contaminate food supplies.
Tehran has struggled with chronic air pollution for years, exacerbated by the use of low-quality heating oil. The current crisis has intensified the plight of residents, many of whom describe the capital’s air as unbreathable.
Moreover, the attacks have sparked a notable shift among some anti-regime residents, who are increasingly vocal about their grievances. The symptoms reported by the population align with those typically associated with oil fires, which produce harmful compounds that can form acids when mixed with rainwater, as noted by environmental experts.
As the situation develops, the implications of these bombings extend beyond immediate health concerns, potentially affecting the city’s food, water, and air supplies. The long-term environmental damage could have repercussions for years to come.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the ongoing health impacts on the population. However, the situation in Tehran serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between military conflict and environmental health.