Iran Claims Losses of 23 Billion Dollars Caused by Gulf WarIran on Wednesday claimed that Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the ensuing Gulf War have caused it losses of 23 billion U.S. dollars.Speaking on the sidelines of a gathering on this issue, Iran's Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jihad Behzad Ghareh Ryaz said that of the total losses, 15.4 billion dollars were inflicted on natural resources, agriculture and fisheries. Iran should follow up the case through international organizations to receive compensations, Ryaz was quoted as saying by Iran's official IRNA news agency. Iran's environment has been polluted after Iraqi troops set on fire Kuwaiti oil wells, he said. Defeated by multinational forces, retreating Iraqi troops set on fire some 700 Kuwaiti oil wells, causing severe environment contamination. Meanwhile, more than 1.5 million war refugees sought shelter in Iran during the Gulf crisis and Gulf War, according to the official. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the Gulf War also caused serious damage to underground water resources, soil, fisheries, sea animals and herbal medicines, he noted. The United Nations Compensation Commission has paid some 17 billion dollars to Iran. |
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