Pezeshkian says US and Israeli actions damaged regional ecosystems at Armenia biodiversity summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the Summit of Biodiversity in the Republic of Armenia on Friday, where he said that the United States and Israel waged an unprovoked war of aggression against the Iranian nation that has produced adverse effects on the ecosystems of regional countries. He linked the military actions to environmental harm across the region.

Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Pezeshkian described the Israeli military campaign against Palestinians as a stark example of ecocide, saying its devastating impacts will endure for generations. He did not provide further details on the specific environmental damage cited.

Pezeshkian also warned that nations subjected to illegal sanctions and foreign-imposed wars must not be forced to bear the heavy toll of these crises. He framed the environmental and humanitarian consequences as interconnected burdens placed on affected countries.

The remarks were delivered at a regional biodiversity gathering hosted in Armenia, where the Iranian president was among the speakers. The Mehr News report noted that the item was being updated and did not include additional statements from other participants or responses to Pezeshkian's remarks.

According to Mehr News, the Iranian president's address focused on the environmental dimensions of regional conflicts and sanctions, with Gaza presented as a case of long-term ecological devastation. The report did not elaborate on specific policy proposals or follow-up measures discussed at the summit.