The war in the Gulf escalated after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. Bombing on both sides started fires at oil and industrial sites, and people fear pollution may spread beyond the fighting area.
Early March airstrikes near Tehran caused large fires and black smoke over the city. The strikes hit oil storage and fuel transport networks and later affected bigger energy facilities. Experts say the fires release gases and very small particles (fine particles) that can harm breathing. The World Health Organization warned about smoke from burning fuel depots and reports of "black rain". Oil leaks can harm water, fish and soil, and desalination plants may stop if intakes get clogged.
Difficult words
- escalate — become more serious or intenseescalated
- attack — use force against a person or placeattacked
- pollution — dirty or harmful material in the environment
- airstrike — attack from aircraft with bombs or missilesairstrikes
- particle — a very small piece or tiny amountparticles, fine particles
- desalination — process that removes salt from seawaterdesalination plants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could smoke from burning fuel affect people's health?
- Which things can oil leaks harm?
- What can happen if desalination plant intakes get clogged?
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