Middle East Tension: Massive fire, multiple explosions hit Tehran; is war brewing between Iran, US?

New Delhi: Even as tensions between Iran and the United States continue, a massive fire broke out follwoing several explosions in the Parand area near Iran's capital, Tehran. State media reported on Wednesday that the fire was causing a plume of black smoke to rise from the area. Videos of the smoke are also circulating on social media. The site of the fire is near several military and strategic sites in Tehran province. It is reported that people also heard sounds resembling explosions, although this has not been confirmed.

What did Iran's media say?

According to Iran's state media, IRIB, smoke was seen rising from the top of a building in the city of Parand in Tehran province on Wednesday. Footage on social media shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky. There has been no official confirmation of casualties or major damage yet. State media quoted the Parand Fire Department as saying that the black smoke seen near the city was caused by a fire in the reeds growing along the Parand River.

The department further stated that firefighters have arrived at the scene and efforts are underway to extinguish the fire. This incident comes after several mysterious explosions and fires have occurred around Tehran in recent weeks, many of which Iranian officials have not fully confirmed.

Why is the timing significant?

This incident comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are at a high level. The United States is strengthening its military presence amid ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and the risk of a potential conflict if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, according to an Axios report, a military confrontation between the United States and Iran could erupt within days or weeks and escalate into a large-scale, multi-week operation.

According to an Axios report, a White House official stated that there is a 90 percent chance of US military action in the coming weeks. A Trump adviser said, "The boss is fed up... I think there's a 90 percent chance we'll see action in the next few weeks."

On the other hand, Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei said in a social media post that the Americans constantly claim they have sent a warship to Iran. "Of course, a warship is a dangerous military tool," he said. "But even more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea." He further stated that even the world's most powerful military can sometimes suffer a blow so severe that it cannot recover.