India, March 11 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday warned that unusual "black rain" and toxic air pollution reported in parts of Iran could pose serious respiratory risks to the public following recent strikes on oil facilities.

According to the United Nations health agency, fires at damaged refineries and storage sites have released large amounts of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. In response, Iranian authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors as a precaution. Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said the agency had received several reports of oil-contaminated rainfall in recent days.

"The black rain and the acidic rain coming with it is indeed ...