Updated

Shina Ansari, head of Iran's Department of Environment, met Turkish officials in Antalya on the sidelines of COP31 to discuss strengthening environmental ties, Tehran Times reported on Saturday. The Turkish officials included Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Environment Minister Murat Kurum. Tehran Times, citing IRNA, reported that on Wednesday Ansari told Yilmaz that the US-Israeli war against Iran had caused explosions at fuel storage facilities and released toxic substances and greenhouse gases, and that constructive environmental programs depend on regional stability and security. Yilmaz stressed the long-standing cultural ties between the two countries and Turkey's readiness to expand cooperation, and called for continued work on the joint environmental committee created after the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul in October 2025, with a focus on biological resources and habitats. Ansari's talks with Kurum covered enhancing joint cooperation, accelerating the implementation of bilateral agreements, developing joint initiatives, and exchanging expertise on resilient cities and waste management. The report gave no agreement or funding details. COP31 is being held in Antalya from November 9 to 20 and brings together representatives from nearly 200 countries.