Tehran:Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the environment, a shared heritage of humanity, should not be exploited as a tool of political pressure or sacrificed for short-term economic or military gains. He underscored the importance of adhering to international law to safeguard the environment during times of war.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi addressed the International Conference on 'Ecocide, A Silent War Crime' in Tehran, highlighting ecocide as a major global challenge linked to the right to life, human health, food security, and international peace. He argued that wars not only claim human lives and destroy infrastructure but also severely impact natural resources and biodiversity.

He cited conflicts in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza as examples where military actions have caused significant environmental damage, affecting water, soil, and air quality, as well as ecosystems. Araghchi stressed that these environmental consequences often persist long after the conflicts have ended.

Araghchi stated that international law should not overlook the environmental damages and human rights violations occurring during wars. He advocated for the recognition of both direct and indirect environmental impacts of military activities. Furthermore, he called for international obligations to be met without allowing protection measures to be manipulated for unequal political gains.

He also mentioned that unilateral measures limiting access to resources and technology needed for environmental protection should be scrutinized under international law. Araghchi expressed Iran's readiness to participate in efforts to prevent environmental destruction and enhance regional cooperation.

In his concluding remarks, Araghchi emphasized the necessity of holding aggressors accountable for environmental damages and urged for collective action to ensure nature's protection for future generations.