Video: Toxic Black Rain Falls Over Tehran After Israeli Attacks on Oil Depots

Iran: Today is the 10th day of war in the Middle East. The situation is getting worse and shows no sign of abating. Late Saturday night, Israel launched major attacks on Iran's capital, Tehran—particularly targeting oil storage facilities and energy facilities. The attacks caused huge fires at many places, and black smoke covered the sky. Then the clouds formed from the smoke caused rain, which was mixed with oil droplets—people are calling it 'oil rain' or 'black rain.'

What targets did Israel target in Tehran?

Israel attacked several oil depots and refineries in Tehran and surrounding areas. The main targets were:

• Aghdasiye oil warehouse in north-east Tehran
• Shahran Oil Depot north of the city
• An oil refinery in southern Tehran
• An oil depot in Karaj, in the neighboring Alborz province

The Israeli military said that these facilities were linked to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), which supplies fuel to the army. This is the first time that Iran's oil infrastructure was targeted on such a large scale in a war.

How did 'oil rain' happen and what was the damage?

The fire caused by the attacks continued to burn for hours. The black smoke rising from this became a dense cloud. When it rained on Sunday morning, the water was mixed with oil; clothes, cars, roads, and all buildings  turned black. People are saying that there was a smell of oil in the rain and hands used to turn black. Iran's Red Crescent Society warned that this rain is poisonous – chemicals such as hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen oxides have been found. This can cause acid rain, shortness of breath, skin irritation, and damage to the lungs.

What advice was given to the people?

The governor of Tehran said that people should wear emergency masks. The Red Crescent advised:

• Stay indoors
• Cover windows and doors with wet cloth
• Change rain-drenched clothes immediately
• Wash vehicles and buildings outside so that toxic dust does not spread into the air.

How many people died?

According to Iranian media Fars, four tanker drivers were killed in the attacks. At some places, 6 deaths and 20 injured are being reported. About 10 million people live in Tehran, and the entire city is surrounded by smoke and toxic rain. The war has now focused on oil and energy, causing oil prices to rise across the region. It remains to be seen how Iran responds now – because the situation is getting worse.