Tehran Plunged into Darkness After Israeli Oil Strikes

Tehran residents woke up on Sunday to an apocalyptic scene as thick black smoke blocked sunlight. Oil depots hit by Israeli strikes sent huge plumes into the sky. The city, normally bustling with over 10 million people, was dark enough to require headlights during the morning. People were confused, with some thinking their electricity had failed.

The smoke from the burning depots mixed with grey rain clouds, creating a heavy, murky atmosphere across Tehran. Cars on major roads like Valiasr Street still needed lights by mid-morning. Flames and smouldering oil persisted more than 12 hours after the strikes. The black smoke spread across residential and commercial areas, disrupting daily life.

The strikes targeted four oil depots and a petroleum logistics site in and around Tehran. Local authorities reported six deaths and 20 injuries at one depot. Israel confirmed it attacked fuel storage used to support military infrastructure. AFP could not independently verify casualty numbers. This is the first time Iranian oil infrastructure was hit during the nine-day war.

Security forces patrolled the streets wearing protective coats and masks due to toxic fumes. Authorities warned residents to stay indoors as the smoke contained harmful hydrocarbons, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides. Windows of nearby buildings were blown out from the explosions’ force. Fuel residue mixed with rain covered balconies in areas kilometers away from the strikes.

Read more : Hezbollah Warns Israelis to Evacuate Areas Near Border

Tehran’s governor, Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, said fuel distribution in the city was temporarily interrupted. Each vehicle was limited to 20 liters of fuel. Long lines formed at petrol stations, with some stations hosting around 40 cars waiting. Authorities said the problem is being addressed, but shortages may continue for several days.

Sunday marked the first workday in Tehran after a week-long holiday declared following supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s death in the conflict. Unlike the 12-day war last June, most residents remained in the capital. The United Nations estimated around 100,000 people had fled the city so far. Traffic and pedestrian movement has gradually returned, showing life is slowly resuming.

By mid-morning, roughly half of Tehran’s shops were open despite the darkness. People cautiously ventured onto streets, adjusting to smoky and hazardous conditions. The city continues to struggle with disrupted services, toxic air, and ongoing war threats. Authorities urged calm and emphasized that recovery efforts were underway to restore normal life.