Tehran, Ankara discuss war’s environmental toll at COP31
Iran and Turkey discussed the environmental damage caused by two wars waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, in June 2025 and late February 2026, at the COP 31 climate summit. COP31 is the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference and is underway in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026. They discussed pollution from fuel storage explosions and greenhouse gas emissions and Tehran called for regional stability to support environmental protection, Iran’s environmental chief said after meeting Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz at the summit.
Shina Ansari thanked Ankara for its stance on two imposed wars, highlighting the environmental consequences of military action, particularly explosions at fuel storage facilities and the resulting release of pollutants and greenhouse gases. She said effective environmental protection depended on security and stability in the region.
Yılmaz cited longstanding cultural ties between the two countries and said Turkey was ready to expand cooperation with Iran in various fields, including environmental protection. He pointed to the activation of a joint environmental committee following last year’s Zero Waste Summit and stressed the need to sustain cooperation to protect natural resources and habitats.
Regional developments had once again underscored the importance of peace and stability, Yılmaz said, adding that the two countries would continue to pursue their shared responsibilities in tackling climate change alongside regional issues.
Environmental cooperation between Iran and Turkey is pursued under a bilateral memorandum of understanding through a joint committee.