• It has been announced that Tehran was one of the most polluted cities in the world in 2025.
• Air pollution has been identified as the seventh leading risk factor for premature death in Iran.
• Statistics on deaths resulting from air pollution in Iran (2019–2024):
• 2019 (approximately 1398): about 43,000 people.
• 2021 (approximately 1400): reduction during the COVID period, about 41,700 people.
• 2022 (approximately 1401): increase and return of pollution intensity, about 50,000 people.
• 2023 (approximately 1402): total deaths 52,500 people (12.6%), Ministry of Health.
• 2024 (approximately 1403): sharp rise, critical situation, about 59,000 people.
• Air pollution leads to many respiratory and cardiovascular problems for residents of metropolitan areas.
In addition to the above, which are repeatedly mentioned in Persian-language media, the following can also be noted:
• Annual damage of approximately 2.6 billion dollars to Tehran citizens (Parliament Research Center and World Bank).
• Increase in treatment costs.
• Closure of schools and universities.
• Closure of many jobs, especially non-governmental occupations.
• Damage to plants and forests.
• Acid rain and destruction of soil.
• Pollution of water resources.
• Destruction of historical buildings and cultural heritage.
• Intensification of climate change is also among the other destructive effects of air pollution.
Effective factors of air pollution in Iran:
• Polluting industries and factories.
• Mazut-burning power plants.
• Fuel quality in Iran.
• Worn-out transportation system.
• Dust storms, desertification, and drying up of wetlands.
• Weak management, standards, and policy-making.
• Agricultural activities.
• Construction and destruction.
• Continuous fires.
As a result, due to mismanagement, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government has not only failed to find a solution to this major problem despite the many difficulties that have arisen, but by pursuing non-expert and mostly economic objectives, and through its affiliated organizations and officials, it has intensified the deterioration of the situation. The continuation of this disordered trend will certainly bring about greater human, economic, and environmental losses.
UNESCO 2030 Agenda – Goal 11:
Transform human settlements and cities into inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable places for all.
Geneva Convention
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Clean Air Law (adopted 2017 / 1396)
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Law (1974 / 1353)
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Environment Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
