Israeli strikes on Tehran oil depots sparked toxic fires for days

Israeli airstrikes on Iranian fuel facilities in early March sparked massive fires that continued burning for days, releasing toxic plumes over Tehran and creating an environmental and public health crisis, according to satellite analysis and a Guardian investigation published Monday. The March 7 strikes hit four key locations: the Aghdasiyeh oil warehouse in the northeast, the Tehran refinery in the south, the Shahran oil depot in the northwest, and a major fuel facility in Karaj, which includes production and transfer infrastructure.

Thick smoke from the burning oil depots enveloped the Iranian capital, releasing soot, oil particles and sulfur dioxide into the air. Shortly after the attack, a storm swept through the region, dumping poisonous, oil-laden "black rain" across the city. The phenomenon dramatically worsened Tehran’s already chronic air pollution, long exacerbated by the widespread use of low-quality mazut fuel.

Black rain and health crisis

Residents told the Guardian they experienced headaches, eye and skin irritation, and difficulty breathing as particulates settled on cars, roads and rooftops across the city. Medical experts cited in the report warned that inhaling the toxic smoke could elevate long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, DNA damage and cancer. Iranian doctors have urged residents to stay indoors, discard contaminated clothing and wear N95 masks as a precaution against acidic rain hazards.

Satellite imagery captured two days after the strikes showed the Shahran depot and Tehran refinery still ablaze. European Space Agency images taken ten days later indicated those fires had subsided, though smoke and flames persisted at the Aghdasiyeh depot.

Environmental legacy and international concern

While Israel claimed responsibility for the fuel tank bombings, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright distanced Washington from direct involvement, describing them as "Israeli strikes on local depots." The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted the severe implications of the attacks, noting that uncontrolled burning of oil creates a toxic legacy beyond immediate air quality. Pollutants from such massive fires can seep into soil and water sources, potentially contaminating groundwater and entering the food chain through crops, leading to widespread environmental damage and lasting health hazards for generations. The incident has drawn regional concern, with Türkiye monitoring cross-border environmental risks as the conflict shows no signs of abating.