By Muhammad Mamman
The United States and Israel have carried out overnight strikes on five oil facilities in and around Tehran, Iranian officials said, in a major escalation of the ongoing conflict that has shaken the Middle East.
According to Iranian state media, the attacks targeted four oil depots and a petroleum products transport centre located in Tehran and the neighbouring Alborz Province. The strikes caused significant damage to the facilities and killed at least four people, including two oil tanker drivers, officials said. 
Keramat Veyskarami, chief executive of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, told state television that the targeted installations were struck by “enemy aircraft” overnight. Emergency responders later managed to bring the fires under control, though thick smoke continued to hang over parts of the capital. 
Residents reported a strong smell of burning across the city as dark smoke drifted over residential areas by morning. Authorities said the damage disrupted parts of the fuel supply network, temporarily interrupting fuel distribution in Tehran while repairs were underway. 
Iran’s Red Crescent warned that the explosions released toxic hydrocarbon compounds, sulphur and nitrogen oxides into the air, raising concerns over possible acid rain and health risks. Officials urged residents to remain indoors to avoid respiratory problems and other health hazards. 
Despite the damage, Iranian authorities insisted the country still holds sufficient gasoline reserves and that supply disruptions would be resolved soon.
The latest strikes come amid a rapidly widening conflict between Iran, Israel and their allies across the region. Since late February, the confrontation has intensified with missile, drone and air attacks targeting strategic infrastructure and military sites across the Middle East. 
Iran has responded to previous attacks with missile and drone strikes against Israeli and US-linked targets across the region, raising fears that the conflict could expand further and threaten global energy supplies. 
Analysts warn that attacks on energy infrastructure — particularly those near Tehran — mark a significant escalation that could further destabilise the region and send shockwaves through global oil markets.
