Toxic Spillover: Conflict and Environmental Risk in the Gulf

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and Iran’s retaliation across the Gulf have raised questions about the conflict’s environmental impact, resilience of critical infrastructure, and lessons Gulf Arab states can apply to better prepare for future crises. While the current cease-fire has reduced immediate risks to regional energy infrastructure and shipping lanes, significant concerns remain over oil and chemical contamination, marine pollution, air quality degradation, and the vulnerability of critical water and desalination systems.  

What are the most immediate environmental risks emerging from the conflict? Could attacks on oil and gas infrastructure trigger long-term ecological damage across the Gulf? What lessons can be learned regarding infrastructure protection, emergency response coordination, environmental monitoring, and regional cooperation? How can Gulf Arab states strengthen environmental resilience ahead of future crises? What lessons do previous regional conflicts offer regarding environmental recovery and remediation, and could environmental security become a greater driver of Gulf Arab states’ policy and diplomacy after the conflict? What role can international organizations and regional cooperation play in environmental recovery efforts?  

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