Tehran, Iran – Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, accused the Iranian regime of spending the country’s capital on “terrorism
and spreading hatred” instead of protecting the environment and national resources.
This was in response to the widespread fires that swept
through the forests of northern Iran in recent weeks.
Pahlavi said in a statement published on the X platform that
the Islamic Republic is “indifferent to the fire that destroyed the Hyrcanian forests.”
He stressed that this regime “does not care about Iran’s
natural heritage that extends back thousands of years.”
He added: “Burning ancient forests is like destroying the lives of
generations of Iranians at the hands of this regime.”
The former crown prince expressed his hope
that “the Iranian nation will end this destructive path,” saying that “ending repression
will also save the country’s environment.”
He also referred to the Iranian Prosperity Project, explaining that the plan includes
a comprehensive environmental program prepared by leading experts
with the aim of reviving the Iranian environment in all its dimensions.
The fires are spreading and difficult to control.
The Hyrcanian forests, stretching along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea,
are one of the most important natural resources in Iran.
It includes more than 3200 plant species, 180 bird species, and 58 mammal species.
This is according to UNESCO. Environmental experts warn
that continued fires could cause “irreparable damage.”
According to the authorities, two Ilyushin aircraft, seven helicopters,
and about 400 firefighters were sent to participate in containing the fires.
But its continued spread prompted the government,
after some hesitation, to request assistance from Türkiye.
In a separate development, fires have been raging since November 20
in the forests of Desmar in the Julfa region.
Mohammad Hossein Hassanzadeh, Director General of Environmental Protection in East Azerbaijan Province, explained,
“Three valleys in the area are burning simultaneously,” he said,
noting that strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts.
