Pezeshkian to highlight war’s environmental toll at COP31
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday he would use the COP31 summit in Turkey to highlight environmental damage from two wars waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, in June 2025 and late February 2026.
COP31 is the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference and will be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026. Speaking before departing Tehran for Antalya, Pezeshkian said the conference would provide an opportunity to discuss climate conditions, regional issues and the environmental consequences of conflict.
“The representatives of 196 countries would attend the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, with 71 countries represented by their presidents or prime ministers,” he said.
Pezeshkian said he had been invited by the Turkish president and had more than 10 meetings scheduled with foreign leaders and officials, including his Turkish counterpart.
The Iranian president said he intended to raise the impact of the war and actions by Washington and Israel that had damaged the environment in Iran and across the region.
Describing relations between Tehran and Ankara as being at a “very good level”, Pezeshkian said the two countries shared interests in regional, economic, social and cultural affairs. These common interests, he added, could help deepen bilateral ties and promote regional security.
Pezeshkian said he hoped to convey the Iranian people’s message to summit participants and secure positive outcomes from his visit.
COP31 is bringing together countries to discuss climate change and international efforts to address its effects.