A toxic cloud has reportedly formed in the atmosphere following strikes on oil refining facilities in Iran, gradually drifting toward Central Asian countries and China. The unusual pollution cloud appeared several days after attacks on oil storage facilities and refineries, causing concern among residents of the region. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan could potentially be affected, MK.ru reports.

However, Kazakhstan's Kazhydromet said that monitoring data shows "no signs of such pollution being transported toward Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries." Uzbekistan's Uzhydromet stated that "this information has no scientific basis." Kyrgyzstan's state authorities have not yet commented on the possible impact of the situation in Iran on the country's atmosphere.