Heavy plumes of smoke blanket Tehran after Israel strikes fuel oil storage sites

Massive explosions hit Tehran as Israeli strikes target fuel depots and missile sites, killing four and intensifying the Iran conflict.

Reuters

8 March 2026 at 14:48:59

Heavy plumes of smoke blanket Tehran after Israel strikes fuel oil storage sites

People walk as smoke rises in the background after a reported strike on Shahran fuel tanks, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2026.

Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Heavy plumes of smoke blanketed Tehran Sunday (March 8) following strikes at oil storage facilities and refineries on Saturday (March 7).

Huge explosions were heard in parts of Iran's capital, state media reported, while Israel said it had struck Iranian missile sites, command centres and fuel depots on Saturday.

An Israeli source said the fuel was used to manufacture and develop weapons and to operate military bases. Iran's oil distribution company said four of its employees were killed in the blitz, adding that rationing would be introduced temporarily in some areas "to ensure fair and sustainable supplies".

Shortly after the attack, which appeared to mark a new phase in the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would press on with the assault and strike Iran's rulers "without mercy".

U.S. President Donald Trump said his war with Iran may only end with its military and rulers wiped out, as Tehran moved on Sunday towards picking a new supreme leader while missiles and drones flew across the Middle East.

Production: Shane Tietjens/Reuters