Iran Oil Facilities Hit as Israel Strikes Tehran in Escalating War

Israeli air strikes have hit Iran’s oil infrastructure for the first time since the outbreak of the current conflict, as fighting between Iran and a US–Israel alliance entered its ninth day.

Large fires were reported at several oil facilities in and around Tehran following the strikes on Saturday, while Iranian authorities said at least four people were killed in the attacks. The escalation comes amid continuing missile exchanges and rising casualties across the region.

Oil Facilities Targeted in Tehran

According to Iranian state media and the Fars news agency, multiple oil storage and distribution sites in Tehran and the nearby province of Alborz were struck during the attacks.

Facilities reportedly affected included the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in northeast Tehran, the Shahran oil depot in western Tehran, the Tehran refinery in the south of the capital, and another storage facility in the city of Karaj.

Officials said the attacks triggered fires at several locations, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky above the capital.

Witnesses also reported that oil from the Shahran depot had leaked into nearby streets following the strike.

Iranian media reported that four tanker drivers were killed in the attacks in Tehran and Alborz province. Despite the damage, authorities said fuel distribution in the capital had not been disrupted and that emergency crews were working to contain the fires.

Israel Confirms Strikes on Fuel Infrastructure

Israel confirmed that its forces had targeted several fuel storage sites in Tehran.

According to Israeli officials, the facilities were used to support military operations and infrastructure.

The strikes marked a notable escalation in the conflict, as energy facilities had not previously been directly targeted during the current phase of hostilities.

Regional analysts say attacks on oil depots and refineries could affect both military logistics and civilian fuel supplies if the strikes continue.

Concerns Over Environmental and Civilian Impact

Journalists and residents in Tehran described significant environmental concerns following the attacks.

Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi reported seeing thick smoke across the city and described what he called unusual conditions in the capital’s atmosphere.

“I saw black raindrops on my windows this morning,” he said, warning that there could be a risk of toxic air spreading across parts of the city.

He also expressed concern about the growing number of civilian casualties linked to the conflict.

According to officials and media reports cited by journalists in Tehran, the number of people killed in Iran since the conflict began has exceeded 1,300, although the figure could rise as further strikes are carried out.

Wider Conflict Across the Region

The attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure occurred amid a broader campaign of military strikes between Iran, Israel and the United States.

Israeli and US forces have conducted hundreds of air strikes across Iran since the conflict began, targeting military installations, leadership sites and nuclear-related facilities.

Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and several countries in the Gulf region that host United States military bases.

Air raid sirens have been reported in multiple locations across the Middle East, including Israel, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

In Dubai, debris from intercepted missiles reportedly struck buildings in the city’s Marina district, causing fires and damage. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said at least one person was killed when debris fell onto a vehicle.

Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones and a ballistic missile aimed at strategic locations, including a large oil facility and an air base hosting United States forces.

Security officials said air defence systems were activated in several Gulf states as missiles and drones crossed regional airspace.

Conflict Spreads to Iraq and Lebanon

Elsewhere in the region, a missile struck the compound of the United States embassy in Baghdad, according to Iraqi security officials.

The projectile reportedly landed near the helicopter landing area inside the heavily fortified Green Zone of the Iraqi capital. No casualties were reported.

Iraq’s caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described the attack as a “terrorist act” carried out by armed groups operating outside government control.

The conflict has also affected Lebanon, where officials say hundreds of people have been killed since the fighting began.

Israel has conducted raids in parts of the country, while cross-border hostilities continue with armed groups operating there.

Rising Casualties and Global Concern

Officials in the countries involved say the war has caused heavy casualties since its start.

Authorities report that more than 1,200 people have been killed in Iran, nearly 300 in Lebanon and at least a dozen in Israel.

Six United States military personnel have also reportedly died during the conflict.

The scale of the casualties and the geographic spread of the fighting have raised concerns among international observers that the confrontation could widen further.

Context: Strategic Significance of Oil Infrastructure

Energy facilities in Iran play a crucial role in the country’s economy and military logistics.

Iran possesses some of the world’s largest oil reserves, and infrastructure such as refineries and storage depots are essential both for domestic fuel supply and export operations.

Analysts say targeting these facilities could place pressure on Iran’s internal economy and complicate military operations by disrupting fuel supplies.

However, some experts note that Iran’s large territory and extensive network of energy facilities may limit the long-term impact of individual strikes.

As the conflict continues, governments across the region and international organisations are closely monitoring the situation amid fears that further escalation could affect global energy markets and regional stability.