Israeli Airstrikes on Tehran Oil Depots Trigger 'Black Oil Rain,' Iran Warns of $200 Oil

The Iran conflict triggered by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes is escalating into attacks targeting critical infrastructure including oil storage facilities and desalination plants. Israeli bombing of oil storage facilities near Tehran has caused severe air pollution, blanketing the city in toxic smoke and triggering "oil rain."

According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency on the 9th (local time), concentrated airstrikes hit fuel storage facilities from the night of the 7th through the early morning of the 8th. Targets included the Shahran oil depot, a major fuel supply base in northwestern Tehran, fuel storage in the Rey district's southern refinery complex, and fuel storage facilities in Karaj on the western outskirts.

The airstrikes caused oil storage tanks to explode, releasing massive amounts of toxic gas and smoke that spread across the city. AFP reported that smoke from the fires blocked sunlight, leaving downtown Tehran apocalyptically dark on the morning of the 8th. With sunlight blocked overhead, drivers turned on headlights even during daytime.

Local residents are reporting severe respiratory irritation symptoms. According to The Guardian, one Tehran resident said, "The smoke has covered the entire city. I'm short of breath, and my eyes and throat are burning badly. It's impossible to be outside."

Posts are spreading on social media about black oil rain falling across Tehran. Photos show building rooftops, balconies, and roads covered in black rain and ash.

Iranian authorities stated that the oil tank explosions released large quantities of toxic substances including hydrocarbons, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere and clouds. Tehran city authorities warned, "If it rains, it could be extremely dangerous highly acidic rain," advising citizens to refrain from going outside and stay indoors.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "The attack on oil depots is tantamount to deliberately waging chemical warfare against Iranian civilians." He condemned the airstrikes as "war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide."

Fuel supplies are also being disrupted. Tehran authorities implemented emergency measures reducing the single-refueling limit for vehicles from 30 liters to 20 liters. Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, Governor of Tehran Province, said, "Pollution indices have surged since the bombing of oil storage facilities. The fuel reduction will be temporary for only 2-3 days before returning to normal."

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the 8th (local time) called on Middle Eastern oil-producing nations to warn against "the cowardly and inhumane actions of criminal America and the barbaric Israeli regime." The IRGC added, "Otherwise, we will take similar measures in the Gulf region. If you can afford oil prices exceeding $200 per barrel, continue this game."