Toxic plume from Iran oil fires drifts to Central and South Asia

Asian outlets focus on how toxic pollution from the Iran war could spread across borders and last for decades. They highlight expert warnings that soot, chemicals and heavy metals from the oil fires may worsen already severe air pollution in South and East Asia and contaminate water and soil. Commentators in this block expect governments in India, Pakistan and other Asian states to face pressure to issue health advisories, track the plume and consider diplomatic steps over cross-border fallout.

• •Asian newspapers report that the Iran oil fires are adding a new layer of pollution to existing smog in South Asian cities.
• •Scientists quoted in these outlets warn that toxic particles from the plume can travel thousands of kilometers before falling as rain.
• •Regional coverage notes that polluted rainfall could enter river systems that supply drinking water to large populations.
• •Commentators say governments in India and Pakistan must expand air quality monitoring to capture the impact of the Iran plume.
• •Some opinion pieces suggest that affected Asian countries may raise the issue at the United Nations or climate forums.