Yerevan:Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran's commitment to conserving biodiversity and urged the international community to support countries facing environmental damage due to sanctions or military aggression.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian addressed the Leaders' Summit at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Armenia, condemning the destructive impact of wars on nature and describing it as 'ecocide.' He called for international mechanisms to protect biodiversity during wartime.

He highlighted the enduring environmental damage caused by wars, such as the burning of forests, destruction of wetlands, soil contamination, and threats to water resources and wildlife habitats. The president emphasized the need for international solutions, as environmental damage from war transcends political borders.

Pezeshkian specifically noted the environmental consequences of conflicts involving the US and Israeli regimes, particularly in the region including Iran, pointing out issues like industrial damage, pollution, and threats to ecosystems. He urged for effective mechanisms to safeguard natural heritage and called for international organizations to enhance funding and restoration efforts for affected countries.

He also stressed that nations under sanctions or aggression should not shoulder the environmental costs alone and highlighted Iran's willingness to share its expertise in biodiversity conservation as part of 'peace diplomacy.' Pezeshkian suggested that environmental cooperation could foster peace and security, leading to a harmonious future with nature.