He explained that ecocide is structurally similar to genocide and represents a concept extending beyond war crimes against the environment. He also suggested “nature-killing” as a Persian equivalent for the term.
Araghchi noted that armed conflicts cause extensive damage to water resources, soil, air, forests, farmland, energy infrastructure, natural habitats and biodiversity. Such destruction, he added, can have consequences that persist for years or even decades after hostilities end.
Referring to environmental damage in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, the foreign minister cited reports by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) documenting the devastating consequences of military attacks. In Gaza, the damage has included the destruction of olive groves and contamination of water and soil. In Lebanon, fires have destroyed forests and tens of thousands of olive trees.
In Iran, UNEP confirmed in March 2026 that attacks on oil facilities had released hazardous compounds into the environment, an incident that brought back memories of the “black rain” that fell over Tehran.
Araghchi outlined three key areas for international cooperation to address environmental destruction during armed conflicts.
The first involves strengthening international legal frameworks and establishing clear criteria for identifying and addressing severe environmental damage. The second calls for developing impartial, science-based mechanisms to document environmental harm caused by armed conflicts. The third focuses on expanding regional and international cooperation to prevent further destruction, restore ecosystems and assist affected countries.
He emphasized that Iran supports the recognition of ecocide as an independent international crime and is prepared to contribute its scientific, legal and diplomatic capabilities to this effort.
Araghchi also described the upcoming COP31 climate conference as an appropriate opportunity to draw international attention to the environmental consequences of military attacks and advance efforts to address them.
“We must not allow aggressors to escape responsibility for their criminal actions,” he said.
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