Iran battles fire threatening UNESCO-listed forests

Firefighters are working to extinguish a forest fire in the rocky area of Elit, located in Mazandaran province in northern Iran. The blaze has been burning for several days and has affected forests listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Iran has requested international assistance to help contain the large fire, according to local media reports.

Efforts continue amid challenging terrain and high risk of the fire spreading further. Authorities are coordinating firefighting teams and resources to limit damage. Local officials have urged nearby communities to stay alert and follow safety measures. The scale of the fire has raised concerns about environmental and cultural losses in the region.