04/03/2026
A new joint statement by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) warns of the serious public health consequences of recent attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Strikes on oil refineries, gas facilities, and fuel depots have led to:
* A rise in respiratory illnesses, including asthma attacks and breathing difficulties
* Increased pressure on already strained hospitals and medical staff
* Shortages of essential medicines
* Exposure to toxic pollutants affecting air, water, and soil
Medical reports indicate that even previously healthy individuals are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, while large-scale oil fires may result in long-term health impacts such as chronic lung disease.
In one documented case, at least 6 civilians were killed and 21 injured in a single attack on an oil depot in Alborz.
The statement stresses that such attacks pose foreseeable and disproportionate harm to civilians and calls on all parties to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure and to uphold international law.
Full statement:
https://www.hra-iran.org/?p=9265
