Research indicates that Israeli airstrikes on oil infrastructure in Tehran in March resulted in toxic fumes spreading across an area comparable to Italy. The study, published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, revealed that the fires released approximately 29.8 kilotons of sulfur dioxide over 115,830 square miles. Lead author Zhenping Yin, an assistant professor at Wuhan University, noted the importance of continuous tracking of emissions for early warnings about pollution. Sulfur dioxide, a major precursor to acid rain, poses significant health and environmental risks when inhaled. The analysis highlights the environmental consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as U.S. officials expressed concerns about the strategic implications of the strikes. The study also pointed out that communication restrictions in Iran complicate the delivery of pollution data to affected communities, emphasizing the need for efficient early alert systems. On-site measurements were not feasible, but the study suggests that the toxic rain from sulfur dioxide could contaminate local soil and water sources.