TEHRAN – Escalating fallouts of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli imposed war on Iran is posing a severe threat to the fragile marine ecosystems of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, an official with the Department of Environment has said. 

Military operations and blasts involving vessels and coastal installations risk releasing oil, chemicals and other hazardous materials into the waters, Ahmadreza Lahijanzadeh, the DOE’s deputy head for marine environment and wetlands, said on Thursday.

“Explosions in facilities and vessels can release a wide range of pollutants, including oil, toxic chemicals, and hazardous materials carried by ships,” Lahijanzadeh said. “These pollutants could threaten sensitive habitats and the unique biodiversity of the region, in some cases causing irreversible damage.”

The warning comes as tensions in the strategic waters connecting West Asia to global shipping routes have intensified, raising concerns not only about security and trade but also about the environmental consequences of warfare in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive marine areas.

Biodiversity hotspot under pressure

The Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman form part of a marine system covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers and supporting a wide range of habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and estuaries.

These ecosystems sustain diverse marine life and support the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.

Scientific assessments indicate that the waters host more than 1,600 fish species, multiple species of marine mammals, sea turtles, shrimp and seabirds, as well as complex plankton communities that underpin the marine food chain.

According to sources, more than 5,000 marine species have been recorded in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman combined, highlighting the ecological significance of the region. Among the most important habitats are coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. Coral ecosystems in the Persian Gulf include more than 100 identified coral species, while mangrove forests and seagrass meadows serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, shrimp and other marine organisms.

As an example, seagrass habitats also support endangered species such as the Dugong dugon and the Chelonia mydas, both highly dependent on stable marine environments.

Environmental specialists say these ecosystems are already under stress from climate change, industrial pollution, shipping traffic and coastal development.

The ongoing military confrontation, they warn, could add a new and unpredictable source of damage.

Pollution risks from military activity

According to Lahijanzadeh, the current conflict is exposing an area of more than 500,000 square kilometers to environmental hazards.

It is obvious that military operations can generate multiple types of pollution simultaneously. Oil spills may occur if tankers or offshore facilities are struck, while explosions can release toxic chemicals from ship cargo or industrial infrastructure. Debris from damaged vessels may also introduce heavy metals, paints and insulation materials into marine waters.

“Pollution could include oil and petroleum products, toxic substances, hazardous cargoes, and materials from ship hull coatings,” Lahijanzadeh said.

Noise pollution generated by explosions and naval operations could also disturb marine animals that rely on sound for communication, navigation and feeding.

Environmental scientists say underwater explosions and intense acoustic waves can disorient dolphins and whales, damage coral structures and disrupt fish populations.

In addition, electronic warfare systems and advanced military technologies may introduce electromagnetic and thermal disturbances that could affect marine ecosystems.

“These factors together create complex environmental stress that can affect biodiversity and marine habitats,” Lahijanzadeh said.

A uniquely vulnerable sea

Marine scientists warn that sudden environmental shocks, such as large oil spills or chemical contamination linked to military activity, could overwhelm these fragile systems.

Environmental researchers describe the Persian Gulf as particularly vulnerable to pollution because of its geographical and climatic characteristics.

The Persian Gulf is a shallow, semi-enclosed body of water with an average depth of about 35 meters and limited water circulation with the open ocean. This means pollutants can remain trapped in the marine environment for extended periods, increasing their ecological impact.

Extreme temperatures and high salinity further stress marine life. In summer months, water temperatures can exceed 35°C, making the ecosystem one of the warmest marine environments on Earth.

Despite these harsh conditions, many species have adapted to survive in the Persian Gulf’s unique environment.

Mangroves and coral reefs at risk

Mangrove forests along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are among the ecosystems most vulnerable to pollution and habitat disturbance.

The mangroves, dominated by the species Avicennia marina, play a crucial role in stabilizing coastlines, storing carbon and providing breeding grounds for fish and crustaceans.

However, global assessments by the International Union for Conservation of Nature have already classified Persian Gulf mangrove ecosystems as vulnerable due to environmental pressures.

Oil contamination or chemical spills could destroy mangrove root systems and disrupt nursery habitats that sustain local fisheries.

Coral reefs face similar risks

Corals are highly sensitive to pollution, sedimentation and temperature changes. Previous episodes of coral bleaching linked to pollution and warming waters have already damaged reef systems across the highly strategic body of water. Environmental experts, including Lahijanzadeh, warn that additional stress from warfare could accelerate the decline of these reefs.

Global importance and legal protections

Because of its ecological and economic importance, the Persian Gulf has been recognized internationally as a region requiring environmental protection.

The International Maritime Organization designates areas of special ecological importance as “particularly sensitive sea areas,” where additional protections may be applied to reduce environmental risks from maritime activity.

In that regard, Iranian officials say the ecological stability of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is closely linked to regional food security and economic livelihoods. Furthermore, millions of people across coastal states depend on fisheries and marine resources for employment and nutrition.

Damage to marine habitats could therefore have wide-ranging consequences beyond environmental degradation.

Calls for global attention

Lahijanzadeh urged international institutions to respond to what he described as a growing environmental threat.

He said environmental protection is recognized in the international law as part of fundamental human rights, including the right to live in a healthy environment.

Iran has called on bodies such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Court of Justice, the UNESCO, and the International Maritime Organization to take clear positions regarding environmental risks linked to military operations in the region.

The official also urged the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment and international environmental groups to help prevent further ecological damage.

“These institutions have responsibilities toward present and future generations,” Lahijanzadeh said. “They should take effective steps to protect the marine environment of the region and prevent environmental destruction caused by war.”

In the Persian Gulf alone, where marine habitats already face climate-related stress, additional pollution could push some ecosystems beyond recovery thresholds.

AM