New Delhi: Israeli airstrikes targeted several key fuel storage facilities in Tehran, triggering massive fires and powerful explosions across the city. A huge plume of smoke lit up the skyline of the Iranian capital, which created panic among the public in parts of the city.
At least four people lost their lives, including two tanker drivers, as confirmed by the Iranian authorities. The fatalities were confirmed by the chief executive of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company.
According to officials, multiple oil depots in and around Tehran were hit during the strikes. At least five facilities were reportedly targeted, including four fuel storage depots and a petroleum products transport center. Among the major sites affected were the fuel depots located in Shahran and Aghdasiyeh.
The bombardment sparked massive fires that sent thick columns of black smoke billowing into the sky above the capital. The smoke could reportedly be seen from several kilometres away, including in the nearby city of Karaj. Videos circulating on social media showed large fireballs erupting into the night as flames spread through parts of the storage facilities.
Footage from the area also showed fuel leaking onto nearby roads and catching fire. Some residents described the situation as a river of fire, with burning fuel flowing along streets close to the depots.
Emergency response teams rushed to the sites and worked overnight to contain the flames. Authorities later said the fires had been brought under control, though the damage temporarily disrupted fuel distribution in parts of the city.
By Sunday morning, a thick haze continued to hang over the capital, with residents reporting a strong smell of burning fuel in the air.
Iranian officials acknowledged the explosions and confirmed damage to several fuel depots but maintained that the country’s overall fuel reserves remain secure.
The Israeli military later confirmed carrying out the strikes, stating that its air force targeted ‘fuel storage facilities in Tehran’ to prevent them from being used by Iran’s military.
In a separate message posted on a Farsi-language social media account, Israel also issued a warning related to Iran’s political leadership transition. The message cautioned members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, who are involved in selecting a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying they could also become targets.
“This is a warning. We warn all those who intend to participate in the successor selection meeting that we will not hesitate to target you,” the post read.