‘Night turned into day’: Iranians describe strikes on oil depots in Tehran and Karaj

Residents in Iran have described scenes of fear and destruction after overnight strikes hit oil depots in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj, as the United States and Israel continue their attacks on Iranian targets.

People living near the explosions told the BBC that the blasts were so bright it felt like daytime. One resident said the sky suddenly turned red before a powerful shockwave shook homes and buildings.

Local news agencies, citing Iran’s oil ministry, confirmed that fuel depots in Tehran and Alborz province were struck. Videos shared online showed fires burning in the streets near one depot, with shops and homes also damaged.

A man from Karaj said the area had been calm for a day before the latest attack. He described seeing a bright flash followed by a loud explosion and a large cloud of smoke rising into the sky. Another resident said the oil depot burned for hours after the strike.

Authorities in Tehran warned residents to stay indoors while air quality is being monitored. Iranian officials said the attacks released toxic substances into the air, raising concerns about health risks.

The strikes come during the second week of the war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which began after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks on US allies in the region.

Iranian media reported that Mojtaba Khamenei has been chosen as the new Supreme Leader following his father’s death, though the situation in the country remains tense as airstrikes continue.

Smoke continued to cover parts of Tehran on Sunday, with residents saying the smell of burning fuel filled the air and the sun was barely visible through the haze.