The environmental effects of the armed conflict in the Middle East are beginning to multiply after ten days of clashes affecting both the population and regional ecosystems, raising alerts for toxic rain.
Humanitarian teams from the United Nations warned that attacks on oil depots have caused episodes of severe air pollution.
In the Iranian capital, Tehran, what specialists describe as “black rain” has been recorded, a phenomenon associated with the dispersion of toxic residues in the atmosphere.
This situation occurs in parallel with massive population displacements and severe disruptions in humanitarian supply chains. Additionally, international authorities have warned that the conflict may have environmental impacts extending beyond the combat zones.
Air pollution following attacks on oil infrastructure
The pollution arose after attacks on oil depots located in Tehran. According to international organizations, the explosions released large quantities of hydrocarbons and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Among the substances detected are sulfur oxides, nitrogen compounds, and particles derived from oil. These pollutants disperse in the air and can return to the ground through contaminated precipitation.
The World Health Organization has warned that these phenomena represent a significant environmental risk for the region. Additionally, reports of new attacks on oil infrastructure in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia increase concerns about regional-scale pollution.
Humanitarian crisis and displacements in Lebanon
The impact of the conflict is also reflected in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon. In the last 24 hours, more than 100,000 people have left their homes following attacks and evacuation orders.
As a result, the total number of displaced people in the country is approaching 700,000 individuals. Many of them seek refuge in Beirut, the Mount Lebanon region, the north of the country, and the Bekaa Valley.
The humanitarian crisis is worsening due to the lack of resources and the repetition of displacements in communities that had already suffered from previous conflicts.
In numerous improvised shelters, entire families live in precarious conditions while awaiting international assistance.
Health risks of toxic rain
The so-called black rain or acid rain poses a direct threat to human health. This phenomenon occurs when pollutant particles present in the air mix with atmospheric moisture and return to the surface as precipitation.
In the case of attacks on oil facilities, these rains may contain hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and irritating chemical compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause irritation to eyes and skin, as well as respiratory problems.
Furthermore, prolonged inhalation of pollutants can exacerbate pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases. Another concern is the contamination of water and soil, as toxic compounds can infiltrate potable water sources or affect agricultural crops.
For this reason, health authorities have recommended that the population stay indoors and limit exposure to outdoor air.
Impact of the conflict on global supply routes
The conflict also affects international logistics chains, especially in key maritime routes. Among the most sensitive points are the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, strategic corridors for global trade.
Restrictions in these areas force shipping companies to alter their routes and assume higher transportation costs. In some cases, ships must navigate around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid risk areas.
This change can add up to 9,000 additional kilometers to certain routes and delay the delivery of food or humanitarian supplies by weeks.
Thus, the conflict not only causes environmental and social damage in the region, but also affects food security and the stability of supply chains on a global scale.
