Iran’s ecosystems have suffered extensively due to the absence of effective policies and lax enforcement of environmental regulations. The regime’s relentless pursuit of rapid industrialization and economic development has taken a heavy toll on the environment, resulting in widespread pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, and water scarcity.
A report published on June 18 by the state-run Payamema Newspaper sheds light on a severe pollution crisis in the Aras River, which flows through Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The contamination is primarily caused by “radioactive materials” and “heavy metals.” Despite identifying the pollution source, the regime’s weak stance over the past 15 years has hindered any meaningful resolution.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan and Turkey have dismissed any responsibility and refused to investigate the pollution in the river. However, the presence of pollution cannot be denied, and Iran faces a greater risk than its neighbors since all incoming pollutants flow into the country through the Aras River.
The regime’s official denial of the disaster’s magnitude, coupled with the absence of pollution reports and monitoring, exacerbates the situation. The alarming increase in diseases, particularly stomach cancer, among residents living along the river’s borders underscores the severity of the crisis.
In winter 2022, the regime-affiliated Border Studies Research Institute emphasized the gravity of the situation and its dire implications for the affected population. Their research revealed a concerning rise in lung, stomach, and skin cancer cases, as well as an alarming prevalence of liver diseases among residents in border areas. These compelling findings strongly indicate the detrimental effects of water pollution in the downstream regions of the Aras River, disrupting the biological equilibrium.
Mahmoud Abbaszadeh Meshkini highlighted the remarks made by the Vice President of Health at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, emphasizing that despite being the 22nd most populous province in Iran, Ardabil ranks first in the country in terms of gastrointestinal and stomach cancer cases. He emphasized the urgent need to identify the underlying causes behind this alarming trend.
Drawing attention to the discharge from the Metsamor Power Plant in Armenia that directly enters the Aras River, he highlighted the detrimental impact on the groundwater in provinces situated along the river, particularly Ardabil. This contamination could potentially be a contributing factor to the elevated incidence of gastrointestinal and digestive cancers in the region.
Although certain regime officials previously denied the presence of uranium in the river, reports from both the regime’s Atomic Energy Organization and the Ministry of Energy have now acknowledged the radioactive pollution in the Aras River. Former Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian identified industrial wastewater from Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plants as the primary source of pollution.
The Metsamor plants consume 288 tons of uranium annually, and their untreated wastewater flows into the Aras River in the southern Sardarakh region. Additionally, reports from various sources indicate that Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey all contribute to the pollution, with Iran’s Sungun copper mine also adding to the contamination.
Of utmost concern is the Khoda-Afarin reservoir dam, which provides drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Iranians and supports recreational activities and aquaculture.
