US-Israeli strikes on Iran's oil and gas could poison people and environment for decades

US-Israeli strikes on Iran's oil and gas could poison people and environment for decades Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Fri, 03/27/2026 - 14:15 Experts say pollution from escalating attacks on industrial and energy infrastructure poses deadly long-term implications for civilian health Members of Iran's Red Crescent society stand near smoke plumes from an ongoing fire following an overnight airstrike on the Shahran oil refinery in northwestern Tehran on 8 March 2026 (AFP) Off On the night of 7 March, air strikes hit four oil depots and refineries in and around Tehran. The resulting petrochemical fires burned for days, spewing columns of thick smoke which shrouded the skies of Iran 's capital and poisoned its air. Residents described the fires as “hellscapes” and a “black monster”.